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Unsuitability of the Bendix pinion for the Neptune Electric Starter and proposing a double reduction gear with magnetic control.


Identifier  Morton\M1.9\  img002
Date  15th December 1921
  
R.R. 235A (500 T) (S.D. 408. 26-4-17.) Bm. 2/156/13.
ORIGINAL
R5/15.12.21.

To Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from R. {Sir Henry Royce}
c. to CJ.
EFC. {E. Fowler Clarke - Electrical Engineer}
By. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer}
Da. {Bernard Day - Chassis Design}
Wor. {Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}

X3779
X4168B

re Neptune Electric Starter. X3584

In thinking over the above matter I have come to the conclusion that the Bendix pinion is not ideally suitable for a large engine.

I believe it might be made to work with 2 to 1 or 3 to 1 reduction and perhaps a magnetic drag on the pinion, but I think that what is wanted for this big car is magnetic operation of switch and pinion.

I should therefore say that we adopt a double reduction gear and sliding pinion with magnetic control, possibly one working in the sequence suggested by me some few months ago.* This might be tried on the 40/50 U.S.A. type starter which ought to give silent operation, (independent of careless operation) which we have.

I have already asked Mr. Clarke to test the scheme with the present 40/50 equipment.

To some extent this is confirmed by U.S.A. Westinghouse using for their equipment de luxe magnetic operation of pinion.

R. {Sir Henry Royce}
  
  
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).


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