Bob, Forward this information to Fred at NWSL...
Simon -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Rollain Mercier Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 4:34 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [email protected] Subject: Re: {S-Scale List} Re: Alco model's Alcos and he notes - Zamak (aka 'diecast') was first used in the automobile trade back in the 20s to replace cast brass and bronze fittings such as door handles and hood decorations. Contamination wasn't a problem as cars (as a rule) didn't last 20 years anyway. Most Zamak items made before WWII production were subject to iron contamination from the casting ladles and steel molds and Lionel and Gilbert used the same process for their die cast line with pretty much the same idea in mind. - Little Leroy would destroy the toy a generation before it crumbled. The process was refined by General Motors during the War for defense contracts and all but eliminated the problem. But who knows what the Koreans used when these gearboxes were made and better yet are the newer units made in China for SHS & AM any better? Nothing can be done to stop the crumbling except replacing the castings. The ideal solution would be lost wax brass castings. Probably a lot cheaper than a diecast version, tooling and low volume taken into consideration. My opinion, of course. Maybe Don Thompson could address the problem. Raleigh in breezy Maine See my videos at http://www.emporiumpictures.com/ email me for new releases: Emporium Pictures <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 03:20 PM 12/19/2006, Bob Werre wrote: >Friends, >I don't know how many of you folks have some of the original Alco >Models models of Alcos--(trying saying that 3 times!), but as several >have found out, there is trouble in River City. When those units >arrived we were in Heaven, finally a brass diesel that wasn't a crude >kit! However, one of our local members, Bill Green who had two >different styles painted for the ATSF noticed problems several years >ago. He noticed the truck/gearbox castings were starting to distort >eventually jamming the whole mechanism. etc. >Bob Werre Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
