Micro-Trains Z Scale SD40-2 chassis

[Teditor]

I have a Micro-Trains Z Scale SD40-2, it stopped running, upon "attempting" to dismantle it, I find the chassis has grown (Zamacitis) and the body won't come off, my efforts thus far have resulted in sections of the chassis falling away no matter how careful I approach it, has anyone else come across this problem and what can be done.

Ted (Teditor) Freeman
From the Land Down Under where 'Z' can't be upside down!

[strummer]

Hmm. Over on the AZL forum, a fellow has a similar issue; in his case it's with some GP38s made by AZL.

If I were you, I would contact MT directly, as it would appear to be a manufacturing defect. I'll bet they'll make it right for you...they seem like a reasonable bunch.

Mark in (hot) Oregon

[Teditor]

Mark,
Thanks for the reply, I have sent Micro-Trains an email explaining the situation, waiting on a reply.

[Teditor]

This is the email sent to Micro-Trains.
To Whom it May Concern,

My name is Ted Freeman, I am in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.

I have a Micro-Trains SD40-2 that stopped running, on dismantling the loco, I discovered the chassis is disfigured and has lumps on it (Zamacitis?), the chassis was jammed tight inside the body, I eventually removed the body by applying silicone lubricate spray and levering carefully, the chassis sections crumbled in some portions.

The growth areas of the chassis had also seized the motor/gear assemblies, I feel with some judicious filing and shaping, I may be able to resurrect the chassis to an operable state.

My question is of course, is a replacement chassis available for purchase.
Yours in Model Railroading Ted (Teditor) Freeman

[Chris333]

You know there are people from MTL on this forum right?

[Santa Fe Guy]

Ted that used to happen on some of the original Arnold Rapido chassis in their freight cars in the late 70's.
They would just crumble and fall apart.
Looks like the Die cast chassis material M/T have used is not stable.
Good luck.
Rod.

[peteski]

Ted that used to happen on some of the original Arnold Rapido chassis in their freight cars in the late 70's.
They would just crumble and fall apart.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc_pest

[Teditor]

Peteski,
I am aware of the problem, even done a story in our club magazine showing some Rivarossi N, recent Hornby OO (Thomas) and a NOS Ignition switch for a car I am restoring, just didn't expect to come across this in such a late production and the severity of it, as I said in my email to Micro-Trains, I don't expect anything for nothing, but would really prefer to get hold of a new chassis, beg, borrow, buy (not steal!), otherwise I have some delicate work ahead of me.

[ztrack]

I do hope for MTL's sake that this is just a single odd chassis issue. The AZL first run of GP38 chassis issue is well known in the Z community. It is affecting about 1% of the run. It has been very disappointing since this issue is not something you can identify when the products are first released. What concerns me is the one common dominator. That is both MTL and AZL used the same manufacturer for these locos. Both companies have cut ties with that manufacturer.

[JoeD]

Message me your shipping info and I'll send one your way.

Cheers

Joe
MTL

This is the email sent to Micro-Trains.
To Whom it May Concern,

My name is Ted Freeman, I am in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.

I have a Micro-Trains SD40-2 that stopped running, on dismantling the loco, I discovered the chassis is disfigured and has lumps on it (Zamacitis?), the chassis was jammed tight inside the body, I eventually removed the body by applying silicone lubricate spray and levering carefully, the chassis sections crumbled in some portions.

The growth areas of the chassis had also seized the motor/gear assemblies, I feel with some judicious filing and shaping, I may be able to resurrect the chassis to an operable state.

My question is of course, is a replacement chassis available for purchase.
Yours in Model Railroading Ted (Teditor) Freeman

[JoeD]

I've checked old stock and not seeing much, but given the crap that came out our factory in China it's not a surprise.  Problem with off shore is you have very little control over the quality of the raw materials being used, you can only hope for the best.  Several years ago we got some contaminated Zinc and found, shortly after manufacturing, some crumbling.  We were able to identify the problem and fix it, but with a vendor this is not so easy.  I used to make ship models for the Navy back in the 80's and there was a requirement for the kind of metals you were allowed to use because when confined in a glass enclosure, they would disintegrate. You'd pick the parts up and it was a shell of paint and powder inside.  We had to use nothing but brass or steel which made casting a chore (and where I got pretty good at lost wax casings)  Some of this is just foul zinc, some of it may be oxidation.  regardless, I am happy to replace Ted's chassis no charge for the part and the shipping.

Cheers

Joe

[Denver Road Doug]

Great job, Joe!   Glad to see good customer service and standing behind one's product these days.  It's sort of a rarity.

Speaking of SD40-2's, now that the preorders are closed, any update on which schemes will make the cut?

[JoeD]

Great job, Joe!   Glad to see good customer service and standing behind one's product these days.  It's sort of a rarity.

Speaking of SD40-2's, now that the preorders are closed, any update on which schemes will make the cut?

not sure really, I think almost all of them are fine including the UP camo.  I'll know more in a day or so.

Joe

[Teditor]

Joe,

I really appreciate the personal touch,  the effect of this Zinc situation has arisen in many things, so a random finding is not unusual and I certainly have no regrets in owning the model, I have a lot of Micro-Trains gear (including Several N scale FT's) and have never had any problems prior to this, the Z scale loco is not used a real lot and it was being readied for a three day show and this cropped up, I am happy to cover costs as nothing is ever free of possible problems and after all this is not an airbag safety issue.

Ted (Teditor) Freeman

[Teditor]

Joe,

Not really conversant with computers so I will put my postal address here, no secret.
Ted Freeman
PO Box 1787
Toowoomba, Queensland. 4350
Australia

I can take photos for you or even send it to you so you can see the extent yourself (I am happy to cover the postage), just advise where to send.
Ted (Teditor) Freeman