Bomber bull

[JDK]

One of the most unlikely adverts I've come across for a long time.



Another 'forgotten bomber'.

The Handley Page Hereford was an inline engine version of the HP Hampden.

Interest in the HP.52 by the Swedish for placing a potential order led to the HP.53 prototype, which was subsequently used as a testbed for a pair of 1,000 hp Napier Dagger VIII 24-cylinder H-block water-cooled inline engines.

In 1936, the RAF ordered 150 Dagger-engined Hampdens as the Hereford. Problems with engine cooling resulted in most of those built (by Short & Harland) being re-engined as Hampdens. The surviving Herefords served in training units only.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handley_Page_Hampden

The engines were unreliable, over-heating on the ground and cooling too rapidly when airborne, while the very high pitched exhaust note proved uncomfortable for the crews.

http://www.handleypage.com/Aircraft_hp53.html

Hampden P1344 in the hands of the RAF Museum has a Hereford rear fuselage, from its service days, IIRC.

PS: Perhaps I should add that the aircraft is named after the county town 'Hereford' of Herefordshire, in line with the then RAF policy of city names for bombers - not the bull, itself named after the town as well.

[Dan K]

I have always felt that the phrase "herd of Hereford" sounded awkward.

James, thanks to you, from this day forward I shall always refer to such a gathering (as depicted) as a "squadron of Hereford".



I invite and encourage all WIXers to adopt the same policy.

[JDK]

James, thanks to you, from this day forward I shall always refer to such a gathering (as depicted) as a "squadron of Hereford".

I'll bear it in mind. I'm sure they have a better payload, too.

[Dan K]

I'm sure they have a better payload, too.

Without question.

[RMAllnutt]

For some reason.... this conversation has me laughing out loud. Thanks guys... very amusing indeed. And a belated happy new year to everyone.

Cheers,
Richard

[Dan K]

You're entirely welcome, Richard...and a belated Happy New Year to you as well.

I've always felt that this board spotlights our various attributes well...

JDK: WIX intellectual

RichardMAllnutt: WIX collective conscience

Dan K: WIX village idiot