One of the nicknames for the aircraft was ‘Bloody Parasite’ and the project had a similar name. Nothing happened – it was not the right type of aircraft to find money to build apparently.

JOHN FARLEY MEMORIAL FUND

Hello, I am using my late fathers details to reply to this thread,(I am his daughter). John Farley who was co-running the project died unexpectedly on 10th September 2007 as mentioned in the last issue of Flypast Magazine, (and Aviation News).

To find out more about John’s life and find out about the scholarship programme and fund set up in his name, why not take a look at my personal livejournal: http://jfmf.livejournal.com

I do know a little about the subject of the HP42 project. Firstly, the website is an Imperial Airways database and not a website for the project, (I know it says something along the lines of ‘Official HP42 website’ but that just means it will be the official place for details/news,) which is why there are only brief outline details of the project on it. It is not supposed to be regularly updated but is an archive for Imperial Airways.

Secondly, the project is a private concern (unlike almost all others which are public and publicly funded.) The Vulcan springs to mind!

There are more details through the club but again this is an Imperial Airways club and not one dedicated to the project.

I also know that the project is progressing as expected but due to certain outside parties using the information published to date for their own gain, the rest is being kept under wraps for the time being.

😡 BTW OXCART I dont take kindly to people inferring that they should be suspicious of this project – this project is certainly not like many of the other horror stories I have heard of. Maybe you would like to take this into consideration before posting such comments – especially when people like me get to see them. Before posting gossip on this site, why not try emailing the Imperial Airways website direct. Respect at this time would be greatly appreciated by John’s whole family and the Team.

futureimperfect (as raptor22)

Has anyone thought about writing to the British Team who brought the Vimy back from Australia and flew it around the airshows in 1995/96? I would hate to see a perfectly airworthy aircraft put into a museum when there is someone with the experience to keep it flying!

I would suggest anyone who would like to see it kept flying contact the team and show your support at: [email]info@team-merlin.com[/email]

The more people the better!!

I have replied regarding the HP42 before. The website only gives part of what they have already done. I joined the club (Club Imperial) earlier this year, and there has been more project information through that, as well as historical details on the HP42 and other Imperial Airways aircraft, routes, staff, etc, etc. If you have any doubts I would definately advise joining the club for more regular info and pics. They also seem to have been in the news in a certain other aviation magazine quite alot in the last few months.

Whats more I saw their (very impressive) stand at a few events this year. They must have done their homework as time after time throughout the year I could not come up with a question that they had not already thought of and sorted out! They have the funds (£10 million I think) and original engines are to be used. They are going to make it as close to the original as possible, partly due to finding loads of original drawings.

I know the Vimy was (in comparison!) a much easier and cheaper task than the HP42, but I remember at the time people said that the Vimy couldn’t be done either – so I wouldn’t under estimate them!! 😀 😀

Loads, but in the last year:
Croydon Airport Society
Club Imperial (Imperial Airways and HP42 Project)

For more information on the C-Class Flying Boats visit: http://www.imperial-airways.com they have a history and pictures/posters, etc.

I went to Southend Airport about 10 years ago when it was a very small event. Most of the aircraft staged through there, and I remember the Sea Hawk doing a very low pass (about 30 feet) as there were so few people around. The Vulcan also did a taxi run. Unfortunately the event got bigger and not as enjoyable so I haven’t been for some years now. I always enjoyed being at the airport rather than at the display.