Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

  Neat looking engine...sorry for the zinc-pest problems.

  I read a recent suggestion to increase the strength
of these problem parts.  After carefully wiping away
loose crap, try allowing a 'thin' superglue to soak
into the part to make it stronger.  You may need to
sand it a bit for smoothness, then paint it as you
normally would.  I've done similar procedures on old
wood frames to save old fragile carvings.  I used a
syringe to inject the glue directly into the wood.
Once cured, the part is solid enough to work with.

Good luck,
Wayne