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Post by trainman9 on Jan 13, 2024 18:22:18 GMT
Seems a lot of people have had issues with the dreaded zinc pest. Several posters on another forum won’t the manufacturer’s to warrant against it for the life of the original owner. That’s not going to happen. Eventually the postings turned to making the products in the US and some comparisons to products produced from TV’s to refrigerators and washers and dryers.
Most were reminiscing about products produced in the US and that model trains could be produced here just as cheaply as China. Not sure I buy into that logic.
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Post by healey36 on Jan 13, 2024 19:14:03 GMT
The occurrence of zinc-rot in this day and age is outrageous. Everyone knows what causes it, and even more importantly, how to prevent it. This is totally on the Chinese manufacturers and their unethical processes. A common theory...at the end of the day the Chinese shovel up all the bits on the casting floor and put it in the bin for the next pouring run. Impurities is the issue. Once complete, assembled, it's in the packing crate, in the container, and on the ship, they (the Chinese) could care less. Like Apple, you gotta hold a blowtorch to their feet; otherwise, no change to their processes.
The problem is rot doesn't manifest for years, and no one is going to warrant product for 8-10 years. The sellers (Lionel, MTH, Atlas, etc.) need to go after the manufacturers for changes to their outrageous practices.
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Post by david1 on Jan 14, 2024 1:59:57 GMT
The occurrence of zinc-rot in this day and age is outrageous. Everyone knows what causes it, and even more importantly, how to prevent it. This is totally on the Chinese manufacturers and their unethical processes. A common theory...at the end of the day the Chinese shovel up all the bits on the casting floor and put it in the bin for the next pouring run. Impurities is the issue. Once complete, assembled, it's in the packing crate, in the container, and on the ship, they (the Chinese) could care less. Like Apple, you gotta hold a blowtorch to their feet; otherwise, no change to their processes. The problem is rot doesn't manifest for years, and no one is going to warrant product for 8-10 years. The sellers (Lionel, MTH, Atlas, etc.) need to go after the manufacturers for changes to their outrageous practices. Healy36 is absolutely right, the only way to stop zinc rot is in the manufacturing practices!! you must hold the Chinese accountable to get things right. As far as bringing back manufacturing to the USA is just a pipe dream. Get over it, not gonna happen in my lifetime. Stop wishing for something that is not going to happen!!! Dave
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Post by bobthetrainguy on Jan 14, 2024 2:30:27 GMT
The sad part is, it’s really cheap to test the zinc purity.
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Post by Traindiesel! on Jan 14, 2024 10:20:54 GMT
As far as bringing back manufacturing to the USA is just a pipe dream. Get over it, not gonna happen in my lifetime. Dave Well my friend, you’re 102 years old, so…..   
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Post by Traindiesel! on Jan 14, 2024 10:51:28 GMT
Even if production came back to the US, and even if the perceived better quality would be achieved, I seriously doubt any perceived savings would be passed on to the consumer.
After dealing with the unions the current importers will still want their profit margins.
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Post by dlagrua on Jan 14, 2024 14:10:56 GMT
Zamak is a casting metal of zinc and alloy elements that include aluminum, magnesium, and copper. It is used for model railroad parts as it is cheap and easy to mold. It can last a long time if the impurity level is minimized and the environmental conditions are right. This is not often the case and that is why we see Zamak products deteriorating over time.
As for manufacturing returning to the USA; I believe that it will happen in the next 10 years. The standard of living in China is rising and the cost of fuel and transport is getting expensive. We can manufacture trains and other commodities to be profitable. Take a pair of shoes that cost $75-$90 (largely made by machine of synthetic material) and a shirt that we must pay $40 for. Then look at the $99 Lionel boxcar that is injection molded and the import duties imposed. The intrinsic characteristic differential between Asian and US made products is the same. Only the cost is different and I predict that will equalize over time
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Post by atsda on Jan 14, 2024 16:37:13 GMT
There is a cultural and philosophical difference between American and Chinese thought. This may be the basis for why there is no appreciation of quality control. Would you expect there to be much care when making toys for Americans. Even though you can consider hobby trains as products in the strictest sense, it is not necessarily a goal to make a good product with pride. A hallmark of American manufacturing has been to make the highest performing quality product. It is necessary for the U.S. to regain its manufacturing prowess. It can happen with the appropriate way of action and resolution. I (wee) do not purchase items that are not wholly made in the U.S. to the extent possible. If we cannot, we are doing without. There is also the strategic necessity for the U.S. to become energy and product independent. My legislators have been hearing from me. Alfred
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Post by josef on Jan 14, 2024 19:17:40 GMT
Years before I remember reading many post on the Zinc pest. Hobbyist opening boxes of stored items falling apart from the zinc pest. From what I hear, its still a problem and with BTO being the mainstay for many items, were will replacement parts come from? Same with gears and boards down the road as newer replacing older boards and gears which won't work/fit in present items. Might be were some 3D printing would help in some situation. But what happens when replacement boards no longer exist? That's were either they become shelf items or dump site additions.
As been stated, proper handling, mixing, and testing can eliminate the Zinc pest problems. I been lucky not seeing this, but know those that have had thousands of dollars end up in landfills.
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Post by david1 on Jan 14, 2024 20:38:26 GMT
As far as bringing back manufacturing to the USA is just a pipe dream. Get over it, not gonna happen in my lifetime. Dave Well my friend, you’re 102 years old, so….. 102??? You trying to rush me? Wait till I see you at York you, you yea, You!!! Dave
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Post by Traindiesel! on Jan 14, 2024 20:58:53 GMT
Well my friend, you’re 102 years old, so….. 102??? You trying to rush me? Wait till I see you at York you, you yea, You!!! Dave 
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Post by Country Joe on Jan 15, 2024 16:40:48 GMT
Manufacturing trains in the US is possible. Micro Trains makes high quality N scale rolling stock, trucks and couplers, and other N and Z scale items in the USA. They are priced in the same range as the products made in China and offered by the importers like Atlas, etc. They are also priced similar to Kato which is made in Japan. It's not cheaper to have products made in China but it is easier.
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