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).
Relative merits of Lucas, Watford, and Bosch magnetos for various engine models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 40\2\ Scan157 | |
| Date | 1st November 1926 | |
| Y8793 To EY. } from R.{Sir Henry Royce} EFC. } R6/M2.11.26. RE MAGNETOS. LUCAS, WATFORD, ETC. X.8793. X.7791. We fear to fit Lucas magnetos because they have such a bad reputation, whereas Watfords are considered the best made anywhere. In some ways they are better than the genuine Robert Bosch. I have lately seen one of the Watford non-sleeve type with laminated pole shoes, and very light contact maker, which I thought was excellent. This type ought to fit our requirements. I can quite understand that the timing of the contact makers might be improved, but one should look at it from many points of view, as well as low speed retarded position; providing it sparks well in an advanced position there is also perhaps the best timing for contact Let me know if you can use the non-sleeve type on the 20 HP. or 40/50. It might be an advantage for simplicity, reliability, and cost. I hope that you will take up the matter of getting all we require from the Watford Co's latest type of non-sleeve machine. I had a case with the high compression Phantom of failing to fire at slow speed on magneto (only) ignition. This was cured by rubbing the points with emery cloth, and setting them closer than our ordinary standard practice. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||