I’ve got an old ZW that will clean up nicely. However the big L emblem on top has some rust, stains, scratches, etc. It appears to be metal and glued on. I believe replacements are available. But how good are they? Are they a cheapo and obvious repro? Or are they accurate and will do an old ZW justice and make it like new/original?
Thanks
I forget where I bought them, but the ones I have used are equal to the originals. Remove the old one and clean off the old glue residue, then press and stick a new one on.
Olsen’s Toys in Lakewood, OH has a kit for rebuilding the ZW transformer which includes a box. It has a very good top plate included.
I have used this kit to rebuild my ZW. They have a webpage.
Chuck
Some/most of the repros look fine (to me at least).
My bigger concern would be how you are going to remove the original if it’s not already loose. I suppose some light tapping and/or nudging with soft tools might work, but I don’t know.
The repro I got (years ago, but I think he still stocks the same items) was from East Coast Train Parts. It was the larger emblem I needed. It has a peel off backing and that sticks it to the case. Just clean the case as best you can once the old one is off, then place the new one. (I suspect you only get one try, as the adhesive is probably not going to let go easily once applied - take your time to place it right the first time).
Not sure how good the replacement ZW emblems are but the replacement KW emblems need to be reglued after 18 months or so. There was a slight differance in appearance on the emblem itself, forget what it was because I threw away the original emblem.
Depends where you live as to wether or not you can get a replacement emblem at a trainshow or not, that way you can see it before you buy it.
Lee
Thanks everyone! - Great info!