Poly fibre is a synthetic material commonly used in scale modelling and model railway landscapes to create realistic...
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What is poly fibre?Read more -
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Why are most diesel locomotives double-ended whereas most steam locomotives were not?Read moreThe reason why most diesel locomotives are double-ended, meaning they have a cab and controls at both ends, while...
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What is zamak rot (zinc pest)?
Zamak Rot (also known as zinc pest or Mazak rot) is a problem that plagued some early diecast model parts due to impurities in the alloys used.
The impurities have the potential to corrode parts from within, resulting in alloys becoming fragile. The problem affected many chassis and wheels produced between the 1930s and 1970s. Early signs of rot include the appearance of a white powder-like substance followed by bubbling and the eventual cracking or crumbling of the alloy.
Some modellers have had success prolonging the life of affected components by soaking them in vinegar. This method appears to be most effective when rot is caught in the early stages.
Zink rot caused problems for most model manufacturers of the time but has now been mostly eradicated thanks to the use of improved raw materials and better manufacturing techniques, to the extent that genuine cases of zinc rot in the models of today are virtually unheard of.
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