PUFFRBELLY posted:J Daddy posted:"Lionel knew about this problem but kept it under wraps which, I believe, is the reason for these parts being practically non-existent. When I initially spoke with Lionel, I asked if the new Vision Line GG1 Power Truck Side Frame with Pilot would fit the JLC GG1’s, I was told that it was unknown because they didn’t have any replacement parts available for the VL GG1 at that time."
Actually, Lionel did not know about this issue. Zinc rot happens over time when a casting that has bad porosity in the shot or bad "regrind" material. It could take 12 months or even years to rear its ugly head. High humidity or changes in temperature can accelerate its failure.
It was stated before that the Vision Line side frames and trucks are NOT interchangeable, So new shots of the old tool would be the only replacement. If it exist.
Best bet is to stay clear of the JLC GG1.
Hi J Daddy,
If you are going to quote me, please be sure to include the entire quote with all the words. You left out "IMO" which changes the context of the statement that you actually quoted which suggests that I somehow had information that Lionel actually knew of the problem and intentionally hid it. It was my opinion because that's all it was, just an opinion. My supposition was such because there were so many of the JLC GG1's that displayed this defect and the subsequent shortage or unavailable of replacement parts should have raised a red flag. Several years ago I had a MTH Railking PRR K4 tender completely destroyed by Zinc Pest. I contacted MTH and a replacement tender was provided. I would think that smaller parts would be easier to stock in quantity. Just sayin'
Chief Bob (Retired)
Chief Bob - Sorry about that - did not want to offend. My point was is as time will go on, the amount of models that have the zinc rot will become apparent. As you know manufactures see this issue 2 or more years after the parts are made. Where the trains are stored can make the problem worse.
I have been on the same soap box looking for parts. But its sounds like with the move to the Vision Line GG1, the JLC truck tooling may not be available anymore. And if the tool is available to run again. Its going to take a whole lot of them to fail in the near future for Lionel to set that die up and run parts again.
