I wanted to add that I just acquired a yellow Budgie #58 Removal van in extremely good shape with good decals.  I warned the seller about packing caution due to possible metal fatigue.  He acknowledged my warning and said that he would be careful.  Have to wait and see.

Yes. I agree about the impurities that can settle ontop of the molten metal while in the heated holding pot and scum forms on the surface and is usually left to float ontop of the melted metal, thus capturing any-other impurities that maybe floating in the air to settle on top. Actually, it is the oxygen in air that helps  to form this scum. Die-casting machines take the hot molting metal from well below this point for injection and usually is situated at the bottom of the hot holding pot where gravity used to be the way the melted metal flowed. They usually have a separate melting pot for heating for this, although some machines do include their own melting pots too.

I don't think the problem occurs with the die-casting machine holding pot. I think the main problem of impurities  in the Zink is when iron is not entirely removed from the Zinc ore when the smelting of the metals occurs at the foundry. Although there is a percentage of recoverable used zinc is added to Zinc Sulfide ore there other Zinc ore used fresh from the ground.

The older method for removal of impurities is through the froth and flotation method when purifying the Zinc. Now modern smelters can remove it with machinery instead of man power.  When they produce the Zamak or Mazak they add copper, Aluminum and sometime magnesium depending on the grade then poor the mix into ingots, then sold to the uses of such alloys.  Grades of Zamak are 2 3 5 6. Grade 3 and 5 are usually used for diecast toys.

The biggest problem when the Zamac is not smelted correctly at the smelter foundry.

 

Jim,  I'm not familiar with diecast molding techniques.  Your technical post is beyond my expertise but I understand the principles involved.  I did get the chance to go to a steel mill in Dayton, Ohio before I retired to watch how steel blanks and coils were produced.  It was a great learning experience.  I would love to go to a diecasting plant and watch the process to make diecast toys.  I wish that I had taken the time to go to the Ertl diecast factory in Dyersville, Iowa, about 1 1/2 hours from my home, to watch their process.  This is no longer possible since Ertl has been bought out and the plant is now a warehouse.  A missed opportunity.

Got the #58 Moving Van and it's in great shape.  No sign of metal problems.  I'm taking pics of it and my MB Yellow Ford Wagon.  So pics will be coming.

Here are some more pics of my MB Ford Station Wagon and pics of the #58 Budgie Moving Van.

Love that Ford Wagon, I have a thing for that model, We called them Customlines in Australia.  Interesting thing is I have Ford Wagon to, its also marked as "No 31 American Ford Station Wagon, made in England by Lesney", but its not a 1955/56, its more like a 1959 or 1960 Fairlane we had in Australia. We called them Ranchwagons.  Will take and post photos ASAP. Got me curious, did they just retain the same model no "31" and change the body shape?

Here are the shots of my "Ranchwagon". This is one of my many MB's that I am deciding over whether to leave as is or restore. The same casting/model number intrigues me.  Anyone have an answer?

With the Matchbox No 31 American Ford Station Wagon (Customline Station Wagon) 1956 model the base plate writing reads from front to the rear when held on its side. Yet with the later 1960's Fairlane Ranchwagon version, the writing reads from the rear to the front when turned on its side. Base plate for the 1956 is wider and has pointed front while the Fairlane has square front.

Yes, totally differant base plate and model, seemed odd that the same "No 31" was used. There maybe a MB collector out there that has an answer. 

The yellow one, 31a, Ford Country Sedan Station Wagon. It was available in yellow finish. Released in 1957 withdrawn in 1960.

The two tone, 31b, This is a Ford Fairlane Station Wagon. It was available in green & pink finish. Released in 1960 withdrawn in 1964, has also been seen in yellow.

Thanks Scruffy, knew someone would have an answer, much appreciated.

I seem to remember that casting but that's been a long time ago.  I never bought that one.  I'd like to have one to put with my 31A.  Have to look around.  I can remember the actual full-size cars when I was a kid.  A family in our town had a blue one.  Nice car and it was big enough to haul all of their kids.    I had the Tootsie Toy version in blue.  My brother-in-law just sold one at his auction.  It was in pretty good shape.  It's amazing to see all of the toys I used to own that are now being sold.

I'll be keeping a look out for the 31A now, as it would certainly pair up nicely with the one I have.  Have a real soft spot for the 50's Fords, and owned a 1:1 Australian '59 Ford Star Model Sedan for a number of years.  It would be the same as the '56 Ford in the US.  I'm with you on all the old toys we had now being offered for sale.  Hind sight is a great thing.

Here are a few more Budgies I acquired recently.

Nice and thanks for posting them. I have the Taxi and it is a great little model full of detail. The Wolseley Police car I had in 1:43, restored it and then sold it one. It fetched a fair price at over $50 too.