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).
Complete failure of Weston ammeters due to terminal screw breakage and a proposed action plan for examination and replacement.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 168\5\ img336 | |
| Date | 25th November 1937 | |
| CHILDS 6132 BY.1/G.25.11.37 AMMETER. 3-CP-28. J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} HOWARD WILSON. We have a further case of complete failure of the electrical equipment due to a terminal screw breakage in the Weston ammeter on the above car. The breakage of the screw is due to the fact that the hole in the insert was not tapped sufficiently deeply and the fitter has attempted to force the screw which has partially sheared it during the fitting operation, and vibration etc. later has broken the screw off. I note that Westons have undertaken to examine and correct 499 ammeters we have at Derby, but they are not willing to incur the cost of retrospective action to cover all cars delivered during 1937 on a similar basis. Westons can reasonably urge that replacement of all ammeters which fail is the limit of their responsibility, but we cannot let the matter rest there, as a failure of the ammeter means a car completely out of action. We will have to arrange for all ammeters delivered during 1937 to be examined. Our Depots can replace and return the replaced ammeter to Westons, if we defray the cost of this work, Westons should be prepared to examine and correct at their charge. Please take this matter up with Westons, and obtain their views in regard to this proposal. The fact that this car had been in service over three months and has covered over 6000 miles before failure occurred indicates that failures are not confined to the early life of the car only, but may occur after many months of satisfactory service. Before issuing a Depot Sheet to the above effect, it will be necessary to obtain the consent of the Administration. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} [Signature] | ||