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Zamac and AC

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5 replies
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  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: San Jose, California
  • 3,154 posts
Posted by nfmisso on Friday, June 16, 2006 10:24 PM
Using CA will accelerate the deteriation. CA gives off chlorine as it cures, which is highly corrosive.

About the only thing to do is make a copy using plaster or latex for a mold, then pouring a low temp alloy in the mold such as Bear Metal.
Nigel N&W in HO scale, 1950 - 1955 (..and some a bit newer too) Now in San Jose, California
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, June 16, 2006 12:26 PM
More consumable goods should be made of Zamac. That might help solve our land fill problems.
  • Member since
    April 2001
  • From: US
  • 3,150 posts
Posted by CNJ831 on Friday, June 16, 2006 6:38 AM
Zamac "rot" or "pest" is indeed a progressive condition that can not be arrested. Gluing or filling any of the cracked surface with CA will only form a temporary bond at the given location. The bonded portions will continue to degrade and nothing can cure the problem. Zamac rot or pest results from impurities in the zamac's original composition and continues until the model eventually just falls appart.

CNJ831
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, June 16, 2006 6:12 AM
I've heard of the problem being referred to as "zamac rot", and doubt if there is anything you can do about it.

Bob Boudreau
  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: North Idaho
  • 1,311 posts
Posted by jimrice4449 on Thursday, June 15, 2006 11:49 PM
This is a constant problem w/ zamac. I've heard of and experienced the problem w/ stuff from a number of manufacturers but I've never heard of a cure.
  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Cohoes New York
  • 30 posts
Zamac and AC
Posted by happy jose on Thursday, June 15, 2006 11:43 PM
Engineers:I must be getting old because I cant think of the material used in Tyco / Varney loco boilers. anyway I have an item over 50 years old. I believe its made of Zamac. It crumbles if rough housed. It is cracking and I need a glue of some type to repair it. Anyone out there have an idea? Happy Jose

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