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).
Selection of magnetos, comparing Watford, Lucas, and German Bosch models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 40\2\ Scan254 | |
| Date | 16th April 1928 | |
| EFC. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} )FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} ROY.{Sir Henry Royce} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} )(At Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence) c. BJ. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Fl. X8793 R1/M16.4.28. REC'D AT WW. & DESPATCHED 19.4.28. RE MAGNETOS - WATFORD ETC. X.7791. X.8790. Regarding the make of magnetos for our cars, it is not only a question of what gives the best performance and silence on test, (magneto noises seem extremely small and rare - naturally we must have both to a good standard). It is also a question of reputation, and as far as I know amongst the people who perhaps know a little about the subject, with the type of knowledge that the average buyer of automobiles has Lucas has not lived down the past. Again, I understand Col. Fell believes with me that Watfords have in the past made the best magnetos of any British firm, and there must be something wrong if, after all this time, we cannot continue to get a suitable machine from them. Now, we have arrived at a price which is satisfactory: I believe below Lucas considering certain desirable features. As an instance of the importance of reputation, one of our directors told me that he would not buy an autocar with a Lucas magneto fitted. Apparently the German Bosch is a good machine to take for a standard. What I remember of performance, wight, price, and reputation, this is the machine I should recommend, except that it is not British. If this is a right conclusion can we not let Watfords have one of these to refer to.? I think that a bakelite wheel and steel pinion will give sufficient silence, and I know Watfords make a very satisfactory and very light rocker for their contact makers, so that the cam should be the only thing left for silence. The electrical quantities are no mystery to them. Before doing anything that we may regret I will take this matter up on my return home, and see if I can find out who is at fault - we unreasonably exacting or confusing, or Watfords grown inefficient. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||