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).
Letter concerning the failure of a sample Watford 100 M.P.H. Magnetic Speedometer during an endurance test.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 165\4\ img119 | |
| Date | 11th November 1931 | |
| X6129 ROLLS ROYCE. LTD. DERBY. TELEGRAMS: "ROYCAR. DERBY" TELEPHONES: DERBY 1320 (6 LINES) IN YOUR REPLY PLEASE QUOTE Messrs North and Sons Ltd., Whippendell Rd., Watford, Herts. from - HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wst. 11/11/31. Watford 100 M.P.H. Magnetic Speedometer. Dear Sirs, We have had a failure of the sample speedometer sent to us for test. This speedometer was fitted to a special test car which was to undergo an endurance test, but this instrument has failed after only a few hundred miles running causing considerable inconvenience. We are sending to you herewith the part that failed, which to us appears of inadequate section for the work it has to do. Another point observed about this instrument which is also disconcerting, is the fact that it is not dead beat, and at high speeds it is almost impossible to read the instrument accurately. We should be glad if you would let us have your comments on these points. With regard to the replacement of the broken part, we think it would be better for you to send another complete instrument, upon receipt of which we can then fit to the car in question, and return the faulty one back to you. The matter is very urgent, as unless we can get a satisfactory Watford instrument we shall have to carry out the test with a standard A.T. speedometer which will considerably delay any possible standardization of your speedometer. Yours Faithfully, FOR ROLLS-ROYCE LTD. | ||