1. Mr. Trainiac

    Mr. Trainiac TrainBoard Member

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    I have two Athearn streamlined passenger cars with the older metal trucks. I want to clean and repaint them to go with my newer Athearn cars. However, the metal trucks look to be grainy. Is this just corrosion that I can clean off with vinegar or the sort, or is this zinc pest? It might even just be a rough molding, I just want to be sure if I can clean it off. IMG_2582.JPG
     
  2. DougL

    DougL TrainBoard Member

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    Vinegar would tend to etch the zinc. I would scrub with a semi-soft brush and mild abrasive, a toothbrush and toothpaste comes to mind. Then a light coat of grey primer would even out the color so you can inspect it better.
     
  3. Retired Alex

    Retired Alex TrainBoard Member

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    Zinc Pest causes cracks in the casting. From your picture I would say they are just dirty, I don't see any cracks.
     
  4. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I do not see any evidence of rot. Looks to me like a casting with just some age showing.
     
  5. Doug Gosha

    Doug Gosha TrainBoard Member

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    Yeah, if no swelling or cracking or brittleness, it's just oxidized/corroded on the surface.

    I have always thought the color of the old Athearn metal side frames looked good. I think they were blackened.

    Doug
     

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