Mike Huxley

I was wondering if any other here had had problems with getting models from Powside. I placed an order for a pre printed 7 plank wagon with them on the 31st of March this year and after 3 calls to them was told there were problems with getting the printing done. I still havent received my order and there are no replies to emails I have sent . Now his phone won't connect. I'd be grateful to learn if others have had the same problem or if they have any news on whats happening with Powside Models. Cheers, Mike

Ade, a rivet counters comment here, but why would you need an LMS non common user Meat van to deliver meat to a deep GWR station like Malmsbury? Surely meat was sourced locally and if more was required it would be delivered by a GWR Mica meat van? Nice model, but out of context for a GWR branch terminus in my opinion.

Ade, that's one hell of a lot of fish for a small town like Malmesbury 😄. But the model is lovely. Cheers, Mike

Nick, Nice as they are, at £74 each your going to need deep pockets to get a rake of these.

I think there is a new Gostude on the scene now. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334650635054?hash=item4deabb732e:g:UnEAAOSwuixjihTf&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoHk4rWw9xaPQi%2B81Q%2FKS74XjEwuXYnnSjJ6lbMNVrxiUZ5n0J%2F6e7wSVOiXwjPUplo%2FuKj5%2BlILFNm5pGsg%2B33ygRDwkyBIRXKtVIN2J0R0N2fZP3e7vVs%2Fq%2BmhFEDwPCxqs0vaZBwjS%2FHZsQkOeIgcRQcSjCwAN4JFMXZBCucfdK9G54VrQcQ7qgA4SQm3BIkL4Bdu4HUCwy%2Flq%2FhrV7I4%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR5bSpsmaYQ

If you have a Loco shed, these wagons were also used to remove the ash from the dropped fires to be used in other locations, nothing was wasted in those early years of the GWR.

Well Ade, there wasn't much of a service at this time, quite a sleepy branch in fact. Most of the goods was sent by mixed train. I hope this is of interest for you. Mike

Hi Ade, just out of interest, do you have the timetables for goods and passenger traffic over the branch? If not, I'd be happy to scan the entries from my September 1930 GWR Service Timetable book for you. Cheers, Mike

Have a look at Falmouth station for your period. 2 platforms, goods shed and an engine shed. Rated to take blue class locos and some good operation if you can fit it into a reasonable size layout.

Ade, Have you ever thought of using HMRS pressfix or methfix transfers? In my opinion, they provide a much better finish, saving having to gloss vanish first and then maybe still get a silvering effect. Yes a sheet of 7mm ones are expensive, but the results are far superior and you get a lot on it for other wagons. It's easier to rub the transfer between the planks of the wagon and get a real painted on finish as well. Just my experience and thoughts.

I have been building several O gauge horse drawn kits lately, most are intended to be GWR company owned collection and delivery one s. I now have the problem of finding suitable transfers to adorn them. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find any produced by the regular suppliers of transfers. So my question is, does anybody know where I can obtain any. Thanks, Mike

Back in 1979 I believe I was Daves first customer at the Queen St, Maidenhead shop. Well, I say customer, more a roped in helper. It happened as I gazed with amazment at what I saw being displayed in the window of the shop. Next thing I knew, the door opened and I was invited in, the shop hadn't opened for business as yet. As I went in I exclaimed "Bl**dy hell, at last a model railway shop in Maidenhead". Dave burst out laughing and said , " can you give us a hand to move this counter over there". That was the start of a long a deep friendship. From then on for the next few years I used to spend all my spare time, after my shift with Royal Mail had finished, helping Dave, Sheila and his other two young helpers Paul and Barry, convert the many RTR locos that went on sale for customers and private orders. Those were the greatest and happiest modelling days in my life. Dave was always the prectical joker, and with his infectious laugh would keep us in stitches all the time. A big man with a big and kind heart. Dave, I will miss you deeply, thank you so much for how you helped the railway modeling world an me in particular. Rest in peace my friend.

Now I am very happy that I cancelled my pre-order. Looks like I will pick one up for at least £100 less.

I have been reliably informed that there are only pick-ups on the tender. Therefore one of my reasons for cancelling my pre order. I will wait and see what the overall reviews of this model are and it's running qualities before buying. Splashing out almost £700 is a big risk if it doesn't perform well, even if it looks good. Mike

Ahh that makes sense. I had chosen that number also for my expected loco, which will be based at OOC to serve my upcoming layout. I was concerned about the running when I saw on here that the pick-ups were only fitted to the tender, as reported in the Hornby review. I still seems strange to me that Heljan should do that, as it doesn't improve good running by only fitting them to the tender. But if you have tested it, Ill take your word as it's OK.