Miles: Definitely call Midge at MTH. At one time, MTH did have a number of replacement shells for that tender. Whether or not they still have any is another question.
BobbyD: I agree with your concern about the replacements coming from the same batch. Look carefully at them when they arrive! If you do not see any crazing, you may be alright. I suspect there may be multiple batches for that casting. The problem is VERY batch specific! Also, you MAY be able to use one of your less affected under frame castings to make an RTV mold. Then you can cast replacements in plastic. I have not tried this technique, but it does seem to be a logical possibility.
Also, the SW jet engine failure had nothing to do with zinc pest. The compressor blades are titanium. The problem was a stress fracture.
RickR: Contact Atlas. They ended up with the Weaver tooling for the troop train. I believe they had made extra frames produced to help out those with this problem.
Chris
LVHR
