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Hi, Not strictly a "Running Problem", however as this seems to be a location to get expert advice on the Hornby J15 I thought it worth asking. I have two J15s, One, the LNER 'Low roof' and a early/first logo BR. My query is wether I am just unlucky or if its a known characteristic of the model? On both the 'Right hand Cab Footstep' has fallen off. I appreciate it is easy to refit it, I'm just curious🤔 Regards David.

Hi, The Decals I have are by "POWSIDES'. I was unable to find another supplier of GER wagon decals. The HMRS don't ever seem to have produced them, or anyone else for that matter. In view of the increased commercial interest in the GER (The forthcoming Buckjumper etc.) I think there could be an opening for some enterprising business to produce Waterslide transfers. I think I may need a rethink as to my intended model🤔. Regards David.

Hello, I used the Fox waterslide GER transfers on the Loco which went well, but had 0% success with Pressfix on freight wagons. I had excellent advice from members which I have tried to follow down to buying.some Tamiya masking tape as advised. Sadly to no avail. The pressfix came from a recommend supplier that came with pretty clear instructions, I followed as best I could. Sadly Blackham Transfers are no longer in business so thats another line of enquiry gone. I suspect I'm heading up a blind alley. Oh well! Regards David.

I long ago accepted that my modelling skills are not up to much! I am however reaching the point of giving up! Can anyone point me in the right direction to obtain "WATER SLIDE" Great Eastern decals? Or suitable individual letters of the correct font? My daughter kindly purchased several sets of "Pressfix" (At some cost) which sadly I have been singularly unsuccessful in applying. I have followed the advice kindly offered by members of the Forum, to no avail. I have been building model aircraft (Successfully) for over 60 years from my first Airfix Spitfire onwards. Happily using waterslide decals on all scales from 100th to 1/24th. But I have to admit defeat using pressfix on 4mm wagons. Can anyone assist before I reduce a dozen wagons to small pieces of scrap plastic? Regards David.

Wow, that Kleeware kit looks amazing, Goes to show not everything that was available a few years ago was cheap and nasty. The instructions have a ring of AIRFIX about them. I have to plead guilty to being something of a 'Curiosity' hoarder! Quite recently my grandson opened a cupboard in the back of the garage (Previously I had plans/dreams of building a round the room layout) and discovered a hoard of untouched kits. Why I had purchased an 'Oil well with Derrik 60cm tall' or a Tug boat I have no idea🤔. I'm pleased to say my grandson has found a use for them as well as at least eight or nine other assorted kits. none having any connection to model railways. The things we are sure "Will come in handy one day" are I'm sure a source of amusement to others, but meant something at the time to us. David.

Well I thrilled with the amount of information. The Osbourne cart looks interesting also the SMS small cart. I can follow up on this list. Regards David.

Members 28 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk UK Edit Posted 1 hour ago Hello, Been a while since I added anything, The station building is partly modified, Corrugated roof rather than the plain thing that came out of the Hornby box. Internal walls to the 'Waiting Area' with a central roof support. A 'Gents' added. After much hair pulling I managed to mix a 99.9% colour match to be used on the gents and the 'parcel shed'. The basic framework for the platform is also well into production, A wooden frame covered in 'Art Board' well painted with Shellac and edged with Slaters brick plasticard. I have been experimenting with colour mixing to produce "Suffolk white" for the brickwork. (Please can anybody confirm that the platform was indeed this colour? its virtually impossible to discern the colour from the illustrations in either of the MSLR books). As a practical start, I constructed three "Transportable" baseboards in well ventilated marine ply, The staton board 72" x 18" and a country board 48" x 18'" with a four track storage board of similar size. Luckily I have a workshop for the carpentry and a very forgiving 'domestic authority' so I can to real modelling in the conservatory. Nearly 50 years ago I planned to build a model railway in the loft of our first house. Life as usual conspired to frustrate (The old "Man Plans and God Laughs!) my ambition. A job that took me to Sweden and the Netherlands, three very active children (Dancing, Swimming, Gymnastics, Football to name just some). Does focus the mind away from personal hobbies. At the time of this first dream, my wife pandered to what I'm sure at the time she considered an odd thing for a grown man to do, and purchased yards of "GraFar" OO flexible track. In my humble opinion better looking than PECO. Sadly as we know 'Graham Farish' as was, has been absorbed into the Bachmann empire and now is totally N gauge. I did manage to find some OO 'FORMOWAY' points though the cost badly upset my accountant! (Wife, you know what the say about accountants, "They know the cost of everything and the value of nothing!). The basic track plan is down, the 'Station area' laid, at 7' extending onto the 'country board' and the four track storage area laid and wired. So I think I can say I have actually made a start this time. Kind Regards David. PS. My Wife genuinely is an Accountant 🤔.

Great stuff! I hoped someone who new these things would share the information. Many thanks, David.

Hello, If we model the current scene we are lavishly provided with suitable road vehicles, even back to the 1930s there is a modicum of RTR available. As I am developing a Pre-grouping layout I'm hoping for some guidance as to what is available? I have a couple of elderly Britains Farm wagons (Lilliput) but can find little else. Any advice most welcome. Regards David.

Hello, Been a while since I added anything, The station building is partly modified, Corrugated roof rather than the plain thing that came out of the Hornby box. Internal walls to the 'Waiting Area' with a central roof support. A 'Gents' added. After much hair pulling I managed to mix a 99.9% colour match to be used on the gents and the 'parcel shed'. The basic framework for the platform is also well into production, A wooden frame covered in 'Art Board' well painted with Shellac and edged with Slaters brick plasticard. I have been experimenting with colour mixing to produce "Suffolk white" for the brickwork. (Please can anybody confirm that the platform was indeed this colour? its virtually impossible to discern the colour from the illustrations in either of the MSLR books). As a practical start, I constructed three "Transportable" baseboards in well ventilated marine ply, The staton board 72" x 18" and a country board 48" x 18'" with a four track storage board of similar size. Luckily I have a workshop for the carpentry and a very forgiving 'domestic authority' so I can to real modelling in the conservatory. Nearly 50 years ago I planned to build a model railway in the loft of our first house. Life as usual conspired to frustrate (The old "Man Plans and God Laughs!) my ambition. A job that took me to Sweden and the Netherlands, three very active children (Dancing, Swimming, Gymnastics, Football to name just some). Does focus the mind away from personal hobbies. At the time of this first dream, my wife pandered to what I'm sure at the time she considered an odd thing for a grown man to do, and purchased yards of "GraFar" OO flexible track. In my humble opinion better looking than PECO. Sadly as we know 'Graham Farish' as was, has been absorbed into the Bachmann empire and now is totally N gauge. I did manage to find some OO 'FORMOWAY' points though the cost badly upset my accountant! (Wife, you know what the say about accountants, "They know the cost of everything and the value of nothing!). The basic track plan is down, the 'Station area' laid, at 7' extending onto the 'country board' and the four track storage area laid and wired. So I think I can say I have actually made a start this time. Kind Regards David. PS. My Wife genuinely is an Accountant 🤔.

Hi, Thanks for that information. I guess its looking for back copies! Have seen the model of Cratfield by John Watson. It has been posted 'In memoriam' in/on the GER society site. The modelling is to a standard I can only dream of achieving. It is quite humbling to be following in the footsteps of skilled modellers. I shall attempt to produce something that is at least representative of the MSLR. David.

Hi, Thats terrific, My first "Model Railway Layout" (1953) was made for me by my Dad while I was in hospital as a child.(Long story). Dad used 'Triang" Jinty pulling shortie coaches as the 'Passenger' and a selection of trucks for 'Goods'. All mounted on a baseboard so I could have it on/next to my bed. The station was named "Woody Bay"! Apparently it was a place he went camping with Scouts when he was a boy. Kind Regards David.

Hi, I've searched for pictures/video of models of MSLR. There is one I've seen of "Cratfield" but not anything else. To be honest I'm not sure my old fingers are up to achieving the required standard to build a real location. As to period, I quite agree BR days (48-52) would be easiest as the Hornby J15 is available and there are suitable coaching stock. The LNER period (1924-1948) would be reasonable as CDC produce J65 body to mount on Dapol Terrier chassis (The J65 was the main loco on MSLR from early on in the LNER period until the J15 took over. The Hatton Genesis four and six wheel coaches were available in LNER livery (All sold out) and though not an accurate model of a specific prototype they are quite acceptable for a "Might have been" branch line.I personally dislike the Hornby LNER equivalents as the 'Teak' finish is "unusual". I have decide to try my luck with the GER Just before the 1st world war (Pre Grouping) period). The necessary locos are available from CD., Coaching stock is coming available from Hattons at the end of the year, (Book early to avoid disappointment🫣). There are several goods wagons available in kit form so I should be able to provide enough stock for a satisfactory running session. The shop at the MSLR cary two books, The older Oakwood by N. A. Comfort and the Wild Swan by Peter Paye. Both have some useful illustrations and plenty of knowledgeable information. Thankfully my birthday was in July! Thanks for your comments, much appreciated. Kind regards David.

Hello. Following on from a previous issue, I am starting construction of a fictional MSLR branch. When the MSLR was originally proposed in the 1898 proposal, there were very ambitious plans. There were to be junctions with the Great Eastern Railway at Westerfield, Needham Market, Haughley and Halesworth. Sadly the ambitions of the originators far exceeded the funds available. The original concept of the network eventually amounted to one rather truncated route from Haughley terminating in a field outside Laxfield. The other two lines (Westerfield to Kenton and Needham Market to Debenham sadly never amounted to "Plans"! My "What if" is that the Needham Market was started and in the same way as the Haughley - Halesworth line, progressed someway before the money ran out. The line eventually reached "Akenfield" which became the eastern terminus. Because the finances were so dire, the GER took over running the line quite soon after the line was constructed. So far the base work has been constructed, (Marine Ply, Liberally equipped with 'Ventilation" holes). The Station Board being 180cm x 46cm, two secondary boards (Country side and Storage sidings) 120cm x 46cm. In the periods between construction of the woodwork, a start has been made on the important scenery, Station building etc.. Hornby produced a reasonable building described as "Wayside Halt" which could have been modelled on the current MSLR station at Brockford or one of the ExMSLR buildings at "Mangaaps". With some modification I belive an acceptable building can be produced. Any advice welcome, the last model railway I built was nearly 50 years ago! Kind regards David

Hi, Being a man of action, I have decided to adopt the plan I made on Saturday. I've ordered the Hornby Wayside Halt, The Hattons GER coaches are due December/January so I have plenty of time to get the track layout etc.sorted. The CDC Loco bodies in GER livery are available to order. The Edwardian figures are also available to order. The location I have decided on is "Akenfield" on the "Westerfield to Kenton" line. This line in my world was run from day one by the GER, thus eliminating the need for MSLR locomotives and coaches. An alternative time period would be LNER and probably easier to source RTR. The Hornby J15 sadly requires a lot of work to backdate to GER time period. Some brilliant examples are to be found on RM web. Unfortunately they weren't in use on the MSLR until very late LNER, early BR days. The Hornby Wayside Halt is finished in the original MSLR Victorian Brown. To make it suitable for LNER days it will need repainting to the Cream/Brown scheme and latterly Dull Grey, this being the scheme the buildings finished their days. In answer to "Johnofwessex", personally I don't rate the Hornby coaches. I don't know if the LNER Hattons Genesis Coaches will be available again as the first production were all sold, so If its the LNER period (Which was the time J15 was used on MSLR) It will be Hornby I'm afraid. The J15 was the last loco on the line even during the "British Railways" era. I hope I won't offend if I deliver a regular update of progress with the layout. Kind regards David.

Well it seems I'm the odd man out these days, I have tried acrylic a while ago and didn't have much success. It was what I can only describe as "Lumpy", didn't matter how much I thinned and stirred. I guess that was probably back in the early days! So perhaps I need to try again! Regards David.

PS. Of course with my "Conspiracy" hat on, It could be a cunning plan to drive us to god awful 'Acrylic' 🤔😱. David.

Hi, Sounds like a quality control problem. Shame as for 50 years I've used them. Perhaps a change to Revell might be called for. Regards David.

HI, Recently I have purchased several tins of Humbrol Enamel Paints, from three different suppliers including my local model shop. Three have been what I would describe as 'Normal' consistency, however two have had virtually no pigment. The tins have been correctly filled as regards volume, One in particular (code 71 Oak Satin) was extremely thin even after two+ minutes of stiring it didn't cover. The other with the problem (Code 102 Army Green) also had minimal pigment. Has anyone else had this or is it just my bad luck? My local shop (100% helpful) have had no other reports. Kind Regards David.

Hi, 'I'm not sure about the Beaumont, My others are 'W. Pipe',' Mellonie' and 'MOY'. As I said Fosdick next visit. I have seen the Mellonie and Goulder but one of the "Not at that Price" wagons! Kind regards David.

Hi, Not come across the "Ipswich Co-op" wagon, the nearest was a Hornby "Newmarket"! I shall be picking up a "Fosdick" on my next visit. I frequently scan for 'Local" stuff, so far I've collected 4. I have turned down a couple which I would have very much liked, but I refuse to be conned! Its one of the beliefs I have stuck to. The organisations who produce these items do so for the benefit of the organisation. I have unfortunately come across individuals who purchase multiple models with no interest other than self enrichment. I know it takes all sorts. I worked with a guy who purchased every new release of Vanguard cars. He proudly proclaimed that he never opened the box "They are an investment" not part of a personal collection! I believe the model railway fraternity must have a similar fringe. Kind regards David.

Good Morning, Many thanks for your information and comments so far. The Peter Paye book is indeed the definitive so far. My children got me a copy a while ago. A very interesting history and commentary on what was a relatively short lived enterprise. When I read of the need for 'Environmentally friendly means of transport" I wonder if The Great and Good Dr, Beeching was right? To be fair MSLR and some other similar lines went long before his actions. On the subject of suppliers, The MSLR shop has over time produced several different numbers of the Dapol based open wagon. Sadly they have used one illustration from the Peter Pay book which shows the signage with the "Suffolk" oddly devided. The more usual layout is shown on P22. There are several "Local" wagons available that 'could' venture onto MSLR rails so in combination with GER a reasonable goods service is possible. On the building produced by Hornby, The basic layout is quite reasonable, with some additional work (Internal walls for the waiting area and a roof prop) I think I shall get away with it (My dexterity for modelling is not what it was before my spinal problem) as a "General appearance" not claiming to be a 100% accurate scale model. If truth be told, many of us produce "Might have beens" so I don't feel I'm letting the side down. If I horrify the 'Rivet counters' I apologise, One of the finest models I can remember was the Rev Peter Denny's "Buckingham". He achieved the believable overall appearance of what was after all a fictional location. In the PECO book by Mr Cyril Freezer, he comments that when he first looked at the layout, he "Believed" the locos were Fully lined etc. but on examination it was the overall impression that misled him. I have looked at Hattons Genesis Coaches, they are In the words of a very good friend "Near Enough!" Not to exquisite standard some modellers can achieve but acceptable. Equally The 3D printed Locos produced by CDC. The use of a proprietary chassis means those of us with sausages for fingers can actually have something physical and working. (Incidentally the GER livery on CDC locos is something I personally could never manage!). So! Oxford 10 ton van. CDC E22 (x2), Hattons GER coaches, Various RTR open wagons. Modified Hornby "Wayside Halt" (MSLR look alike) and the usual O&S and I'm in business. Even seen some 3D 'Edwardian figures'! Please note Many other suppliers/Manufacturers are available. I hasten to add I have no connection to any of those named other than as a customer (Satisfied od otherwise). I remember At the end of many articles in the model railway magazines of my youth the phrase "Usual Disclaimer"! For years I wondered what was being "Disclaimed"! Oh the joy and ignorance of youth. Kind Regards David.

Good afternoon, I have today received an answer from the 'Great Eastern Railway Society' in answer to my question about break van ends. The answer is that they don't know! The only information the can offer is from an article by John Whatling in 1974 which says "The Headstocks were PROBABLY vermillion. So you pays yer money and takes yer pick! Kind regards David.

Hi, Do you know, I am planning a GER branch! The MSLR was right in the heart of GER country and for much of its life the GER provided locos in times of need! After the grouping all the locomotives were ex-GE types (J65 and eventually J15) for much of its existence the coaching stock was again ex-GE ending with bogie stock. I havent decided on a "location", I have considered a never built line to Shotley. For many years the GER ran a bus service from Ipswich to Shotley. However the thought of the MSLR planned line from Westerfield to Laxfield which never existed has started a whole new line of thought! Indeed the Hornby MSLR station would be a good starter for 10! Many thanks for that suggestion (And tip on supplier) I just need to do a little research on a track layout that will provide some operating interest. Most MSLR stations were very limited, usually just a single siding. There again if the MSLR didn't actually build it who can tell me my plan is not 'prototypical'🤔. Kind Regards David.

Hi, I seem to remember the Brockford building being painted in a very similar colour During the rebuilding, From what I have read (The Peter Paye book) the MSLR originally painted the buildings "Victorian Brown" the same colour as the Locomotives. The LNER then repainted into the Cream and Brown that we see in your photograph. Thankfully the Volunteers have stayed away from the dull grey the buildings ended their lives. I think I will dig deeper and see if Hornby can offer any information (Frankly I'm not going to hold my breath!). Thanks for your information. Kind regards David.