From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Critical report on a Westinghouse switchbox from car 4-EX returned from America.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 40\2\ Scan027 | |
| Date | 17th June 1921 | |
| X3552 Extract from R1/G17.6.21. X.3764 - REPORT ON 4-EX JUST RETURNED FROM AMERICA. X.1613. X.805. X.3552. Regarding the switchbox, we have very carefully examined the one sent on 4-EX which we understand is of Westinghouse construction. We regret to say, however, that we think this is a very poor apparatus. For instance, we do not think it is equal to the one fitted on the Marman. It will be necessary, therefore, if you intend to go on with the Westinghouse Company, for them to make you something entirely better than this. We do not object to the general arrangement, which seems to be pretty general, but it is not carried out sufficiently well. We should anticipate that the switches would fail to make contact, owing to the attempt to use them as a notched plate as well as a contact. If they are used as a notched plate the rating of the springs must be very different so that when they drop into the notches they will maintain their pressure and so make a good contact. The locking appliance is very crude, and did not act when received here. It is a little worse than useless because if you cannot rely on a lock locking you had better have no lock at all, and so leave someone to take care of your car. The handles of the switches are badly attached to the shafts, and they are of most crude and heavy design. The whole apparatus would, after a few months, be a disgrace to a high class car, the front case being made of brass with lacquer which would naturally wear or peal off. We notice also that there is no provision for a connection socket for an inspection lamp. This should be included in the appliance. | ||