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).
Magneto specifications and supplier issues, comparing Watford and Lucas products for 40/50 and 20HP models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 40\2\ Scan161 | |
| Date | 27th January 1927 | |
| CONFIDENTIAL. ORIGINAL. TO HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer}) FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} ERO. B.) (At Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence.) X8793 R4/M23.1.27. DESPATCHED FROM WW. 27.1.27. Copy to - BJ. WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} MAGNETOS FOR 40/50. AND 20HP. X7791 [crossed out] X8793 I was discussing the above with Mr. North, of Watford, and said - We wanted a magneto without the sleeve, with the larger armature, with laminated poles, and with silent wheels (bakelite.) He agreed that our specification could be met by the above. I noticed they had a very good light and reliable contact maker which I doubt we are getting on the sleeve model. Now we believe we are not happy for - (1) Silence. (2) For ease of control (require strong springs). (3) Change in noise due to wear of friction tight bearings. So that the above is urgent and requires pressure to be brought to bear upon the Watford Co., or like ourselves, they will go on the old way as long as we will take them. So we threaten to try elsewhere, such as the latest production of Lucas, for which so much is claimed, but owing to Lucas having such a poor reputation we cannot adopt their productions until they have recovered their good name, when we should adopt that which we found best. Lucas claim their platinum points to last the life of the car. Is this so, and why, and is it better than Watford? R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||