I agree that they should not have this problem at all, it is simply not right. But the reality is that the importers are totally at the mercy of the Asian manufacturing, and (in the case of China) the Communist government. This is because the model train market is not big enough and the importers are not big enough businesses to support on-site QC in a country half a World away.
Solutions:
1. Many of us want more modern product, but zinc rot seems to be widespread, though only in certain "runs" of certain (generally Asian) manufactured products- but NOT only one importer (Lionel, K Line, MTH, etc.) So, we cannot just say: "don't buy ABC locomotives". A list, kept up to date, on this forum or another location will help those of us who buy "pre-owned" stuff.
Such a list is a double-edged sword: When you already own a product that is prone to this issue, AND the list is available- your locomotive or car is lowered in value or unsalable. Many of us will NOT like that. But- how can the "buyer beware" UNLESS the information is public??
2. Another major issue is- the availability of replacement PARTS. Body cracking, add-on details that crack, etc. do not make the locomotive or car unusable, and/or can be repaired given some skill. But when the WHEELS/DRIVERS crack (like mine did), then the entire product becomes a wall decoration. If you could easily buy a new chassis that does NOT get the zinc rot, even at $75- $100, your investment would be saved. Fortunately, in my case the manufacturer stepped in and sent a replacement (MTH - thanks Mike!).
But there are cases where NOBODY has the part, not even the importer, because (I understand) that today even they do not have easy access to parts- rumor is that they have to pirate parts off of extra product ordered from each run. This because the Chinese are so worried that an American importer might buy parts then assemble them in the USA or elsewhere. (If I am wrong on this- then somebody who really KNOWS, just say so- and I will modify this post.)
3. Made in USA- would allow local QC. But a HUGE investment- since (again) the Chinese government controls the tooling. I understand that the tooling (hundreds of thousands of dollars) would be an investment that is just not possible- see above about market size and the size of the companies.
