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).
Delco starter switch, its carbon and copper contacts, and a recommendation for an alternative for the Goshawk II.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 180\M1\1\ img058 | |
| Date | 15th September 1921 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to CJ. c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to EWT. for R.R.Inc. ORIGINAL HSJ/LG15.9.21. X805 DELCO STARTER SWITCH. x3915 We are sending to Mr. Royce the Starter Switch off the Haxson Car. This switch appears to us to be very simple and has never given the slightest trouble during the 8000 miles which the car has been run. Before we dismantled the switch we did our best to abuse it, i.e., we tried making only a light contact without pressing the pedal right down. It will be seen from the appearance of the switch that it has come to no harm. We notice that all makers of starter switches have abandoned using switches with carbon and copper contacts. Messrs. Lucas informed us that they had persevered for a long time with copper and carbon contact switches but had now finally abandoned them. We feel that an alternative switch should be made for Goshawk 11. because there is no doubt at some time the carbon contact only will be made and when this happens it will not take many seconds to destroy the switch. * Copper and carbon contacts may be excellent fora magnetically operated switch but not for hand or foot operated.* [Handwritten note in the middle:] Realistic Words of Simple Wisdom [Handwritten note in bottom right:] from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} R loved his carbon/copper switches, even 2 stage for a later button [Upside down text at bottom:] R.{Sir Henry Royce} R.{Sir Henry Royce} 59A 100. T. S. 108. 10-12-20 O.{Mr Oldham} C. 1947 | ||