Too long MTL Boxcar frame

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I pulled this car out of storage and was about to use it when I noticed that the ends were a bit blown out on it.

So I took it apart to see what's up and try and fix it and it seems like the actual metal floor is too long for the shell.

It's item number 18200120 from 2020.

Is it only my car? Anyone else have this issue?

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[turbowhiz]

That is zinc pest. And I have the same on a March 2020 release Railbox graffiti car, which has an identical underframe casting by the looks of it. Doing a quick look both your car and mine were March 2020 releases.




 

[jjb62556]

Let Microtrain's  know. They can set
you up with a replacement bottom...Bad batch of zinc castings I guess.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

That is zinc pest. And I have the same on a March 2020 release Railbox graffiti car, which has an identical underframe casting by the looks of it. Doing a quick look both your car and mine were March 2020 releases.




 

Very interesting! I'll reach out to them.

Thanks!!

[C855B]

Looks to me like somebody used a can opener.

[peteski]

Yes the effect of zinc rot or zinc pest expands the casting. I'm surprised to see it on a  MTL car.

[basementcalling]

First it's your track. Now corroded car bottoms. What's in your water?

[randgust]

Todd Treaster, who probably has more MT cars than MT does on any given day, showed us a surprising assortment of MT zinc-pest frames - on some 'newer' production (in my world, anything newer than about 1990) cars.   It does happen, he's been in direct contact, MT has been supplying replacements.

[learmoia]

I noticed my version of that CR car had a cracked sill at the doorway.. I assume that is why..

[SkipGear]

Unfortunately becoming more common instead of less. I have 5 cars that I know of with the problem. It shows up after about 3-4 years for me. Pulled stuff out of the archives for a show, not paying attention, go to set the car up and find the issue.

[Showme]

  I have 3 BNSF boxcars that happened to. Snapped the sill under the doors. MT did replace the cars, although different road name because they no longer had those BNSF cars. Meantime, I tossed the bad floors, cut a wood block that fit inside the bowed shells and slightly taller, and they have been sitting on a shelf with a brick leaning on each end. Been a little over a year now and they are gradually settling back to the original size with no more bow. Call me a diehard or frugal but what the heck. They were free and next option was trash can.

Bob

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I noticed my version of that CR car had a cracked sill at the doorway.. I assume that is why..

That'd make sense.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I emailed MTL about 15 minutes ago and they already got back to me asking where to send the replacement frame.

Now THAT'S service. @JoeD and @MTL_Brandon , give someone a high five for me.

[StewRRFan]

Good to hear.  I'll have to do the same as I have a few that have broken in half

[Hatchet]

Went to check all my MTL cars for that but all good!

Mark