There have been many fantastic advances in the world of model railways in the last twenty years. One of these is the...
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What is the difference between code 100 and code 75 track?Read more -
What are the best options for cutting tracks?Read moreInevitably there will be times when a modeller will need to cut sections of a track when creating a layout. For those...
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Is Peco track better than Hornby track?Read moreIt is difficult to say whether Peco or Hornby is better as it depends which criterion you are looking at. Peco...
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What are the different ways to apply washes when painting scale models?Read moreAs any seasoned modeller will tell you, using washes is an essential technique for adding depth, shading and realism...
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What is an A1A-A1A wheel arrangement?Read moreIn the UK, an A1A-A1A wheel arrangement was used on some early designs of diesel railway locomotives, most notably...
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.
Posted in: Rolling stock
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