Well was over on the Atlas site checking out Conduct-a-lube. Think I'll pass on that. Anyway, saw a thread on the new Lead rules. Anyway, there are stringent rules re lead content for toys aimed at children under 12. Of course, model trains got tossed into the mix. They pretty well predicted the end of the hobby as we know it. Well don't worry. Lionel;, Weaver, Atlas, MTH and all the other O gauge producers have to worry. They will have to justify the new "Not for children under 12 years" label they are going to have to put on their goods. That's what will happen to circumvent the new regs. I know, been there, done that, worked for an importer for 28 years. Once that is put on, it removes it from the "subject to torture" list. Anyway, in case some of you saw the thread and got depressed, thought I would just clarify the non demise of our hobby.
Wasn't it determined that the latest regulation draft contains an exemption to model train manufacturers (as well as others)? So no need to get depressed. :tb-cool:
Have to admit, I'm puzzled about the "idiots" comments. What exactly is the issue? I'd like to see details on the new lead regulations, if anyone has a link.
Data on the lead issue, not opinions on politicians. Keep going with the political insights and I will delete the thread.
A-hem... Getting back to the lead in our trains issue.... Every piece of model railroad equipment I've gotten that's been manufactured in the last 2-3 years has a "age group 14+. Not for children" label on it. This is because a regulation about choking hazards came into effect, but that label could certainly be used for the lead content issue as well. Of course, I don't think I want to meet the 13 year old that could stick an O scale F unit in his mouth to choke on it...:ru-shocked:
No More LEAD For Me I guess I'd better stop using lead for adding weight/traction in the INDIANA RAILWAY's steamers. I scared my 29 year old daughter might swallow an engine weight. I'm looking into obtaining some depleted uranium to use. Is it regulated also? I've found that TUNGSTEN works as good as lead, can powered, mixed with white glue to fit in any cavity and actually weighs more then lead. Just my 2 cents worth.
Yay, Tungsten. I get various sizes and shapes of pieces from the on line Pinewood Derby sites. With diamond coated rotary disks and burs it can be cut and shaped (with a lot of patience) to fit.
Challenged? I doubt it. Rather than anonymously write hearsay how about some fact to back up your 'truth'? No-one is forced to buy anything from anywhere. You choose to do so or not based on the knowledge you have obtained. As for regulating the lead out of products, that has to be a good thing. Why it is still an issue in 2010 astounds me. I think k-59 summed it up.
Actually...Tungsten, as you discribed, will weigh less than lead, but not by much. Remember that some of the volume will be replaced by the glue.
I always figured that the most dangerous form lead could come in was a bullet. It was my understanding that lead was removed from the frame castings of our locomotives years ago. One of the reasons why our locos don’t pull as well as their mid/late ‘80s counterparts.
I have to agree with Gary here. I have taken the EPA outlined course for Lead Based Paint Renovation and Repair and after that I don't want to have much of anything to do with lead after that. Yes, lead has some useful purposes, but I don't think it really belongs in model trains. Keep in mind that you don't have to eat chunks of lead, but that merely handling lead or lead-containing products and then handling a sandwich can get lead into your system. Most adults are not going to get enough lead that way to cause a problem, but anywhere there is lead there is the possibility of someone experiencing lead poisoning.
Guys, I agree with some of the things that have been deleted from this thread but we just can't get a political thing going here. We can't change anything except at the ballot box so why spend time debating something that is on the edge of politics? Go to the polls in November and vote for the person or people that agree with you! Charlie
Actually lead has not been used except in trace amounts since before WWII for such castings. Most of the older ones were some sort of zinc alloy, which were mostly zinc, with a little copper, tin, and lead thrown in. Probably not enough lead to make a noticeable difference in weight. Since then it seems most have switched to Zamak/Mazak type alloys - which are still zinc, but usually with aluminum instead of copper/tin/lead. Apparently this is what most die cast metal things are made from these days (from door handles to hot wheels cars). And it's just as well as the older formulas that used lead are prone to cracking, warping, crumbling, etc. Remember the 70s Rivarossi and mehano engines that would swell up or crack in half?
