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 poor quality of Lucas electrical equipment, particularly dynamos and fuses, and the consideration of superior alternatives.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 182\M16\ img038 | |
| Date | 1st June 1921 | |
| To EFC. from R.{Sir Henry Royce} Copy to CJ. " " WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} " " HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} " " BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} " " DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} " " WD.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} X.4165 X.3014L ORIGINAL R10/G14/6/21. R RAMPANT RE LUCAS ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. RECEIVED 16 II 21 X.4295 X 295 My instructions are that we do not receive [struck through] more Lucas equipment other than just enough to continue deliveries until they give us something satisfactory, and that we do not accept deliveries of any for stock. The fact of their having supplied us with several dynamos shews that we have given them time to put the matter right, and they have never up to date, supplied us with anything which we could possibly accept. The idea of making a longer machine was suggested to them by us long ago. In the meantime we have received from Smiths a dynamo of quite moderate dimensions and weight, which has passed our criticisms. This may be wrong, but it is the best we can do, and the responsibility of passing this dynamo lies with Mr. Clark and Mr. Hives. X.4215 X.3770 Regarding a cutout, my impression is, from the two samples I have received, that the Bleriot cutout is the better, and very good, working with vigour and reliability. It has been a perfect treat to have this fitting instead of the Lucas cutout, which requires a good deal of hammering on the instrument board. It will also be remembered that when running fast the Lucas fuses blow and put the dynamo out of action, or make it change very late. Whether this is a fault of the scheme or a defect of the fuse carrier, or fuses, I do not know, but it seems chronic. * I have done with them until they shape better. * R.{Sir Henry Royce} G W D 1300. 1-21- C & S- | ||