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).
Discussion with a supplier about manufacturing ignition apparatus, including the reliability of tungsten versus platinum terminals.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 37\1\ scan 043 | |
| Date | 26th April 1917 guessed | |
| EY7/P61218. -2- Contd. Ignition apparatus exactly to our drawings, not from the point of view of making money out of it, but based upon the principle that they were very anxious to be able to say they were producing ignition gears for the R.R. Co., his remark was that his Company had practically all the best American business, and that they had achieved as much as was possible in this direction, but as they recognised the value of the tremendous reputation R.R. had, both in the States and in Europe they wished to enhance their own reputation if possible, by producing something for us, which they guaranteed would be produced to our requirements down to the tiniest detail and apart from any question of expense. Mr. Kennington added that they would be prepared to consider our dynamo and also our started motor on the same basis. I told Mr. Kennington that this was a matter which would have to be settled definitely by our chief engineer, but promised that the matter should be put before you in exactly the same terms as he made the offer. Incidentally Mr. Kennington mentioned various points in connection with the design which might be of value at this stage. These were as follows :- (1) TUNGSTEN TERMINALS. X 1818 [text is handwritten and struck through] He definitely stated that the tungsten terminal for a battery ignition was a far more reliable and lasting factor than platinum - I told him that we had not proved this to be the case but that our experiments were actually carried out on Magneto Terminals. He stated that the magneto terminal was a different proposition and that tungsten was not suitable for this service. [Text at bottom, upside down] R.R. 235A (500) (D) (500) 9982'H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} (Contd') 2/158/13. | ||