If I were in your situation Turtle, I would order a pair. If you plan to hold onto the loco long-term, consider the $100 as cheap insurance in case they ever do fail.
The propensity to develop the issue is baked into each production run of the individual parts. If they're careless and have impurities in the mix, the zinc rot will happen faster. Apparently, even with perfect stuff, in 100 years most if it will probably rod. If you plan on being around in 100 years, get a spare set of frames. 
Help me understand.
Besides the plastic trucks now offered by Henning, is there others that are working on a brass or aluminum alternative?
If so, I could not tell by reading the 2 different threads on this topic.
Please clarify.
Best, Dave
I’m late to this thread and rather new to this forum. I will take three sets if anyone actually makes this happen. I have three of these JLC GG1s that I plan to open this coming weekend to look at. These weren’t cheap. I’m incredibly disappointed to learn of this. I had planned to run all three when I have my train room built out. I’d thought they would look would great with other similar period engines and etc. Thanks for sharing this everyone!
@WRW posted:I’m late to this thread and rather new to this forum. I will take three sets if anyone actually makes this happen. I have three of these JLC GG1s that I plan to open this coming weekend to look at. These weren’t cheap. I’m incredibly disappointed to learn of this. I had planned to run all three when I have my train room built out. I’d thought they would look would great with other similar period engines and etc. Thanks for sharing this everyone!
See this...
Thank you! And done! Bought three as possible replacement parts. Much appreciated!
My package with three side frames arrived today from Henning. These appear to be highly detailed. Nicely packaged in solid i visual boxes. Very fast shipping! This was a very nice experience.
Frank at Nicholas Smith Trains tells me he can install these should I have this issue too. Thank you again for your help.
Guys,
Maybe this concept will give you a different perspective.
What toy or model or machine can you buy that has an express warranty against defects for more than 1 year? NONE.
Automobiles? You can pay $80,000 for a new auto, and it will only come with a 36 month warranty. That's a pathetic 3 years.
Do the auto makers do repairs after that period? Yes, but only for safety issues, as required by the Consumer Products Safety Commission or the FTC.
So, here, we are talking about toy trains, which have a zinc manufacturing defect that generally shows up and creates a failure after 5 to 10 years.
Had Lionel actually given an express warranty when selling its engines and cars, I can guarantee you that it would have been a warranty of 1 year only, with the sole remedy being repair or replacement of the product, not a cash refund.
I know that this zinc rot issue is real bad surprise, but remember, these are toys. A little expensive yes, but no more so than a smart phone or computer, which generally only last 5 years and are then dumped in the trash heap.
Mannyrock
