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Reply to "lionel JLC GG1 sideframes zinc rot"

Unfortunately, "zinc rot" is but one hazard of offshore (especially Communist country) sourcing.  It comes as I understand it from manufacturing workers who might not even understand the effects of their sloppy work, if they care.  Probably most have never HAD a hobby, except trying to feed and support their family while avoiding their government.  

In the case of zinc rot- I understand it happens when non-specified metals get poured in as fillers in the zinc manufacturing practice.  The resulting metal alloys are more subject to deterioration.

The importers (Lionel, Atlas, MTH etc.) are relatively small companies.  Where GM can afford to have on-site Quality Control (QC) people stationed IN China, not so with these smaller companies.  So- they have to rely on locals to provide QC.  Maybe there are not enough QC people provided by the manufacturer?  Maybe the Chinese QC people are also not properly motivated as they might be here in the USA?

Then (again as I understand it) the Chinese government owns the controlling share of all the tools of production- including of making the parts and assembling the product.  Those tools of production are not generally ever released to be removed from China, so the importer (Lionel, MTH etc.) is a captive customer.  They may have a $200,000 piece of tooling that makes maybe $ 20,000 a year of product, that they cannot send to a more reliable manufacturer anywhere, but in China.

Even worse, (again as I understand it) the Chinese will not supply parts since they are suspicious that their customer might start assembling in the USA, and competing with them.  So- parts are scarce to FIX these issues when they occur.

When a USA (or other Western) manufacturer contracts w/ companies in China, they get in bed with the Devil.  Not really the importers' fault- the root cause is OUR fault for demanding cheap goods.  

Maybe that's why Postwar??

Just my opinion, not expert by any means.  But an experienced business mind at work.  

Last edited by Mike Wyatt

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