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).
Visit from Mr. North discussing the selection and issues concerning magnetos for cars and aero engines.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 65\3\ scan0057 | |
| Date | 19th August 1927 | |
| BJ. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}) FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} RC.{R. Childs} RY.) [text struck through] C- to WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} EFC. [text struck through] X7791 VISIT TO WW. BY MR. NORTH CONCERNING MAGNETOS. R1/M19.8.27. X8790 On the 17th inst. Mr. North called regarding magnetos and clocks. In the discussion it was concluded that the Phantom sleeveless magneto was correct and satisfactory, the only thing to settle being the price. Naturally we must expect the Watford magneto to be offered at a higher price than the Lucas. I arranged with Mr. North to let us have an alternative price for the same finish and quality of details as that offered on the Lucas machine, with the extra price for the extra quality they usually supply to us. We believe that there is considerable difference between the two machines, in the distributor block, the eccentric adjustment for the distributor drive, and the lubrication and oil collecting devices fitted. Naturally at the present we cannot take the Lucas machine owing to its bad reputation, which may lead to loss of orders for complete chassis or cars. This has been confirmed to me quite recently by one of our directors (Mr.A.W.Claremont). We think however it will be advisable from a business point of view to compare the prices of still other machines of first class reputation, such as the German Bosch, and the Swiss Scintilla. Regarding magnetos for aero engines, it will be understood that owing to some trouble with the Air Ministry connectors and perhaps some other small details, the Watford magneto had a setback, and the B.T.H. was used instead. Pressure of events did not permit us to return to the Watford magneto until recently, when it was found that the B.T.H. failed to reach the speed necessary for the overspeed of the high compression RR.F. engine. We have therefore renewed interest in the Watford magneto, which we understand is the only one that meets the requirements of the high speed racing Napier engine. In the discussion with Mr. North the impression was formed that we did not return the defective magnetos to the Watford Co. because they were the property of the Air Ministry, and we could not move in the matter. Mr. North has the impression however that some of the magnetos have been paid for by R-R, and are our property, and we can therefore do what we like with these, and he suggests that if they are not entirely satisfactory they be returned to their Works with a report of their defects, so that they can put them right at their own expense without delay. Anyway I think we ought to act independently of the Air Ministry in this matter of getting some good magnetos for our engines, even if we temporarily steal some (1) | ||