Don,  Please let us know how that works.  I have my doubts, as pot
metal deteriorates along the atomic structure alloy lines.  There are
many theories as to the cause of this self-destruction, most popular
one is the presence of lead in the alloy.

It takes very little to cause the issue, although I think more
causes it sooner.  Also temperature and humidity of the environment
the pieces has been in.  The underlying cause for this failure in die
cast American Flyer toy trains made in the late 1930s is attributed
to workers throwing their chewing gum wrappers into the melting pot!

I've not seen any studies regarding plated pieces, although I know
plated car door handles from the 1930s have this issue occasionally.
The plating process can cause hydrogen imbrittlement, so it may
actually increase the problem.  The only real long-term solution may
be new parts; has anyone thought about casting new ones?

David Dewey
djdewey@cncnet.com.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]