Lionel #13103 400E frame damage

[TAdan]

Hello everyone, this is my first post here. I was hoping someone may be able to help or share some answers.

I have a Lionel Classics #13103, 400E Blue Comet. The set was purchased new in 91 and has been stored in its original box or on display in normal room temperature conditions. It has never been run. (We dont have the room for a Standard gauge layout).

Recently my father was cleaning it and noticed that the frame has started to develop severe cracks in the corners and the paint is also starting to crack. The frame cracks are very similar to those seen in our Pre-war Red Comet cab, and M-1000 lower frames. I know Lionel had a few batches of bad metal in the mid 30's.

Has anyone else ever encountered these cracks in newer reproduction pieces? Is it possible to get replacement frames from Lionel or MTH?

Thanks for any help.

Dan

 

 

[lionelsoni]

Not reproductions, but I've had zinc pest on postwar Lionel, MTH, and K-Line.

[TAdan]

Thanks for the reply Bob, I was unfamiliar with the term "Zinc pest" but a quick google search and I quickly recognized the images of deteriorating toys.

I am surprised to hear that you encountered it on MTH and K-line products. I think my Lionel Classics 400E may have been made by MTH under license for Lionel. Have you seen this deterioration on MTH products from the early 90's?

I'll try and take some pictures of the damage this afternoon. 

[lionelsoni]

My MTH incident was a Rail King Big Boy.  I sent them the bad casting; and they sent me a new one.

[TAdan]

I snapped a few cell phone pics. Sorry for the low resolution. 

If you look at the edges you can see the cracks in the paint. 

Here the frame is pulling away from the boiler. Also notice the cap at the front of the boiler from the warping frame.

These were just two examples, the whole frame shows signs.

I know the engine came with a 1-year warranty, so I am not too concerned about it getting fixed under warranty. It still looks fine sitting on the shelf. My dad and I were just curious if we were the only ones with this problem or if it was more widespread. My father is pretty bummed about it, I know this is one of his favorites.

Thanks for looking. 

[arkady]

No matter the manufacturer or the model, I find this almost disgraceful.  It's not as though the makers haven't had years to take steps against the well-known problem of zinc deterioration.

 

[DMUinCT]

But they don't make them, they import them.  China (or Korea) still have a lot to learn from us.  

I had the problem with the cast couplers in that era.  MTH has always been good about defective parts, give them a call, talk to someone (not E-Mail).

[TAdan]

Thanks for the tip DMUinCT. I checked MTH's website and found some contact into. I also noticed that the 2011 Lionel Classics (By MTH) catalog has a Blue Comet in it, so I think that increases the chance of getting a replacement frame.