A 'Beetle Van' is a term used to describe a wagon specifically designed to carry prize cattle or other valuable...
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What is a 'Beetle' van?Read more -
Can you use OO gauge outdoors?Read moreIn theory, OO gauge can be used outdoors, modern nickel silver track, although will require a lot of cleaning, will...
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What is the best glue for installing glazing?Read moreMany model kits, whether they be of buildings, coaches, aeroplanes or any other type of vehicle, will likely have...
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What type of water should I use with waterslide decals?Read moreAlways use warm water from the tap. It doesn't need to be hot, just baby bath warm. This will just help the process...
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Do I need to create a fiddle yard for my layout?Read moreA fiddle yard is an optional component of a model railway layout. It is essentially a hidden storage area where...
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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