Jim R. posted:Tom weaver posted:Zinc pest or zinc rot isn’t confined to one particular sample. Chances are the whole production run in which the trucks were cast was affected, so I wouldn’t hunt for any more of the K-Line GG-1 power trucks from the same year. The suggestion to modify Lionel trucks is your safest, next easiest bet.
Again, zinc pest is caused by impurities mixed into the zinc alloy when it is its molten state during the casting process. It was a problem in the U.S. at various times, but was largely eliminated after World War II. Subcontractors who supply parts to Chinese manufacturing plants are sometimes poor in their quality control, so the problem shows up from time to time, unfortunately, in our current production models. Still a rare occurrence, but frustrating nonetheless.
Both These were early production K2780-4892 Later years K2780- 48921C & K2780-49121C hopefully later ones are ok.