I have managed to piece back together this LNER Mechanical Horse cab, from a lot of spares I bought recently.  I was suprised to see how much fatigue has made this relatively small model increase in size.  It is now 1cm longer and 0.5cm taller than the repainted post war version it is pictured with!








Unfortunately I don't think I can do much to restore the rest of the parts though (unless of course anyone has some suggestions)!

Very sad to see that much fatigue and how it has affected the model. I have read before how much the models can grow from this.....just amazing! I doubt that there is much that you can do to restore this, as the fatigue will likely progress.....sometimes they just go to pieces over time.

I don't suppose it makes it any worse when the model is a scarce one, there is a 39 series Studebaker in rare yellow for sale on ebay gone the same way

Some collectors do like this kind of model in this shape. The worse the better with some too. This could be sold on eBay for a good profit but not as an auction, but a buy it now. May take some time but it will sell at about, Well you decide what you want for it. Others would not sell it. Some would try to glue it back together and then coat it with something like clear coat to keep the air out. None works as it is a chemical reaction with the combined metals of the alloy the toy was made from and you can not stop it. Slow it down, Yes, But not Stop. Nice to have on display as to what can happen to a toy if not looked after properly.

Yes it is shame about the condition, especially of the LNER box van as I already have the LMS and GWR versions in fairly good shape and would have only needed one more for the full set!

I don't suppose anyone does a white metal replacement base plate for these?

I do have quite a few pre war items in varying states, some of which I have had for some time now.  They are kept in relatively warm and dry conditions and I have not noticed any recent decay, however I guess this is such a gradual thing that it would be very difficult to spot.

paid a pretty penny for a fatigued Dinky 25H Streamlined Engine which would not survive another overseas trip.

as its through and through I'm attempting to fill in the cracks with Tamiya putty.
I could leave it alone but than I would see it disintegrate. This way the putty will hold the model together.

Its one of the very few that never had a chassis placed, so its worth preserving.

I very much agree with you on that point Richard, Well worth trying to preserve.

Yes, while some fatigued models might serve as exhibits on the effects of metal fatigue and left to follow the course of nature, there are also some that are so rare/special that everything possible should be done to preserve them for as long as humanly possible.