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).
The completion of the 'Goshawk' model, covering a 10,000-mile test, the ignition system, and starter components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 54\5\ Scan175 | |
| Date | 29th December 1922 | |
| X3485 1 To Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from R. {Sir Henry Royce} c. CJ. BJ. PN. {Mr Northey} LHS. {Lord Herbert Scott} BY. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} WOR. {Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} HY. {Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} EP. {G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} EFC. {E. Fowler Clarke - Electrical Engineer} X.4338 A.3485. "GOSHAWK" COMPLETION. I am very anxious to complete cars for February 10,000 miles test in France and England with our/electrical equipment. More than 90% of the drawing work is completed here and at Derby and I understand the model parts are well in hand. The ignition is now completed with the improved condenser and the gauze vent to the distributor moulding. I have given elsewhere the virtues of our design over others - see other memorandums on this subject. This ignition wants all the patented and registered protection possible - it has cost the Company, its staff, and myself, much. Regarding the/starter pinion this I hope you will like in our improved pattern; the original one sent in by Mr. Stent was not a design but what we thought was standard. We now find the standard somewhat crude and could be better. There is every reason for this to be made in the most perfect known, as it appears to be a device that does not last well. Regarding the/starter switch it has occurred to me that you might like to fit a cheaper edition of the magnetic one with press button control; it would add to the perfection of operation and might help to sell a chassis for the few shillings extra it would cost. We could also make the parts interchangeable with other models, therefore have less pattern. | ||