Morning Guys:
I bought a "new old stock" Williams 888281 U205H Chessie U33C diesel loco from a guy in the States (I live in Australia) and when it finally arrived, all of the side frames were broken off and had crumbled into small pieces in the Styrofoam inner cradle box. Zinc Pest strikes again!!!!!
Fortunately I was able to purchase new replacement side frames from Williams, and then wait for them to be sent out to me. When I received them, I found a guy who lives close to me to 3D print new plastic side frames, using the new spare die-cast frames as the master - lefts and rights.
I also got him to 3D print the original front and rear pilots, as I suspected they also had the early signs of the "dreaded pest" around the mounting holes.
The guy had a bit of trouble getting the fine detail to show up (wheel bearing box bolts) and the thin extension for the brake shoes tended to sag under the weight of the molten plastic, but he finally got it right after a few tries, and allowing more time between layers, and I think they are pretty good. Painted them in the correct blue color (along with the new pilots) and installed them, and it is hard to tell the difference from 3ft. Remember, this is not scale 3 rail!!!!!
Anyway, each pair of side frames cost me Aus $35.00, and the pilots also cost Aus. $35.00 each, for a grand total of Aus. $105.00 all up (approx $75.00 US).
Just thought I'd share my experience with the dreaded "Zinc Pest" in the one and only affected loco I have, and how I believe I have overcome any long-term issues with possibly poorly cast replacement side frames that may do the same thing in a couple of years time.
Peter.....(Buco Australia)
