Hi just looked at my first train. It is a 1987 nickel plate road. It is from a starter set. I noticed some raised bumps on the engine shell. Could it be zinc pest? It is cast shell.
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Post edited: I originally thought this looked like zinc pest, based on some older topics showing similar looking issues that were attributed to this problem. Later replies from Lou1985 and Jim R. suggest outgassing. I trust their judgement on this.
Is there a predictable period of time or age of a train that zinc pest will show up in? And after that time period you can feel that your piece will be okay? Do certain storage conditions inhibit or promote the problem?
The issue is in the materials used to make the casting; nothing you can do. It's already cast-in.
Hard to tell from the picture but that looks more like outgassing under the paint than a casting failure. The late 80s-early 90s production had some issues with that.
That’s not zinc pest. It’s likely outgassing. Remember, zinc pest causes a notable warping as the casting degrades on larger castings, such as a locomotive shell, before eventually breaking. (Smaller castings, such as couplers and truck sideframes, tend to crumble since there is less material on hand to maintain its shape.)
There’s no reliable data indicating when zinc pest will occur. But, generally, it becomes noticeable within 10 years and final within 20 years.
Outgassing, by contrast, simply mars the surface and often causes the paint to flake off.
Jim R that is great news for me. That engine holds a very special place in my heart and my childhood memories. Thanks everyone for your help.
traindork. 😁
