Peco metal wheel sets came covered in corrosion

bigdawgks · March 12, 2025, 02:07:53 AM

Hi all. I recently received a pack of Peco metal 3 hole wheels (NR-132) from Peters Spares and every single one of them is covered in some type of corrosion. These were not listed as used, and came in original Peco packaging. The metal parts that aren't corroded appear properly blackened, but the amount of corrosion is pretty significant.

Has anybody encountered this before? Is this a known issue that can happen or did I just get incredibly unlucky and got a defective batch? I'm considering sending an email to the retailer with photos and seeing if they can offer a refund or replacement.

Bealman · March 12, 2025, 02:29:25 AM

Doesn't sound right to me, I'd return them.

bigdawgks · March 12, 2025, 03:05:49 AM

Quote from: Bealman on March 12, 2025, 02:29:25 AMDoesn't sound right to me, I'd return them.

I am considering it, but need to check what their return policy is for international sales (I am in the US).

Bealman · March 12, 2025, 03:57:39 AM

Oh, ok. Maybe it's a self clean job, then (even though you shouldn't have to).

Newportnobby · March 12, 2025, 05:02:28 AM

I know your first port of call should be the retailer but I'd also send a suitable pic to the Peco Technical department as 'back up'

Train Waiting · March 12, 2025, 09:44:31 AM

Quote from: Newportnobby on March 12, 2025, 05:02:28 AMI know your first port of call should be the retailer but I'd also send a suitable pic to the Peco Technical department as 'back up'

That's really good advice. I've dealt with the Peco Technical Advice Bureau a couple of times and they have been amazingly helpful.

I have a couple of Peco wagons with these new metal wheels and there's no sign of corrosion.

I hope you get the matter resolved.

With all good wishes.

John

Firstone18 · March 12, 2025, 10:30:20 AM

you should really send them back, but it is probably less cost and quicker to clean them up. I think you should still let the seller and Peco know, and hope you get another set sent out FoC! the seller may need to contact PECO if they have others in a similar condition in 'new' packaging. My concern is if you clean them, will corrosion return and be an on-going problem for you.

bigdawgks · March 12, 2025, 09:08:25 PM

I've sent an email to Peco and I'm waiting for a reply. I am pretty skeptical that they can be restored so I'll probably reach out to Peters Spares as well.

Bob Tidbury · March 13, 2025, 07:43:59 AM

In my expieriance Peco are very helpfull I sent a turntable motor back as it was dead ,They sent me a knew one and even a new switch ,which Was good of them as I had forgoten to send the other one back with the faulty motor .
So I would hope they will see your photos and have an investigation at the factory ,Then send you some new wheels .
Bob

bigdawgks · March 13, 2025, 07:32:59 PM

I got a response pretty quickly from Peters Spares: they don't cover intentional postage for returns so it's not worth sending them back. Still no word from Peco. I will probably attempt to clean them up a bit but I'm still worried if they'll just rust again. Here's a better picture of some of the damage.

Newportnobby · March 13, 2025, 10:07:33 PM

Strewth! They are shocking

Bealman · March 14, 2025, 12:42:51 AM

Unacceptable, for sure.

acook · March 14, 2025, 02:02:33 AM

I might be wrong, but from the photo blown up it looks more like blackening than corrosion, as if the rims were meant to be completely blackened/weathered but the process was incomplete.
Nickel doesn't rust, its added to steel to make it stainless. Our rails are nickel silver(copper) and only tarnish with a thin layer of oxidation.

Cheers

Alan

bigdawgks · March 14, 2025, 03:02:23 AM

It definitely seems like the blackening was incomplete. My attempt to clean them did not go well. The only way to remove the brown stuff seems to use something abrasive, and that takes it down to a shiny surface. Definitely not the result I want.

I still haven't received a response from Peco. Has anyone had any experience contacting them by email? I am wondering if maybe it didn't get through because I attached an image. I will probably send them another tomorrow.

As they are I have no use for them, and it'll cost me nearly as much to return them than buying new ones. If I'm going to pay the shipping cost to replace them I guess I have another excuse to pick up more rolling stock too.

Steven B · March 14, 2025, 09:17:19 AM

Looks like the chemical blackening process didn't work properly.

I'm surprised Peter's Spares haven't offered to send a replacement.

I've never had a problem with Peco not replying to messages. There is a chance your email may have ended up in their spam folder (resend without the image, resend from a different email address?). Have you checked your spam folder?