To be frank, I am shocked at how well these figures held up. I don’t leave anything plastic outside, as I have witnessed our tropical sun destroy my kids’ toys in a year or two. Maybe it is worth a re-think…
Eric
Eric Mueller said:
To be frank, I am shocked at how well these figures held up. I don’t leave anything plastic outside, as I have witnessed our tropical sun destroy my kids’ toys in a year or two. Maybe it is worth a re-think…
Eric
Eric (or I guess you want us to call you Frank now),
I’m amazed at what Florida Sun does to things, as opposed to Midwest Sun. But I also think Sun through moisture (like morning dew) magnifies the heat deterioration tremendously and oxidation. I’m thinking Boomer’s climate is dry and I’m wondering if that is helping in this situation. Reading about the restoration of 4014 in the Trains Special Issue, they spoke of how 4014 was the candidate in the best condition of the surviving “Big Boys”, because of where it was displayed in the dry climate. Some actually had moss growing in the boiler and cylinders.
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I also appreciate Boomer’s testing, it really is an impressive example.
Okay you be Frank, I will be Eric…anybody want to be Boomer. You should probably check the job description before signing up.
My experience is the UV is destroying the plastic and resin. Altitude plus the large amount of cloudless sunny days make NM a crucible. I think Franks experience in Hawaii is also the large amount of sun even though he is close to sea level.
I paint my track ties for the UV. Those in this area who do not have paid the price.
I do not know if humidity has anything to do with it. Perhaps someone else can expound on that.
I will do close ups and I hope to have new examples to compare for some of the figures.
Thanks for the interest in this guys.
Eric (the model RR formerly known as Boomer)
Ric Golding said:
Eric (or I guess you want us to call you Frank now),
I’m amazed at what Florida Sun does to things, as opposed to Midwest Sun.
Ric,
Think about that comment while you are basking in the Florida sun wearing your speedo and stockings!
Frank who ?
To all the Franks, Boomers, and Erics:
I think the lesson I have to draw from this is to get a coat of paint on my track ties. For us, the issue is the sun is almost constantly directly overhead all year round, meaning the UV is constant. I imagine that in some ways it mirrors those at altitude who might have shorter or less direct sun exposure but less atmosphere to provide UV shielding.
As for speedo, no, I go traditional. Google “malo.” Then try to un-see it! (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)
Eric / Frank / Boomer / Ric
December 1
How will it end??? Stay tuned batfans.
American Eagle charges big $$ for faded jeans when all you need to do is stick them outside.
But they are holy and I don’t church wise
Some actually look better!
Well, maybe 6 years isn’t THAT bad then?
So, I was thinking that this guy
just hadn’t done all that well…but, looking back, I see that I put him out in 2014…6 years ago. So, perhaps, he’s done OK? I mean, not really…so, he’s back lit, but he sure looked better earlier…
He used to have a cap as well…
Time for a repaint…
Folks;
I had a different sort of problem with a pack donkey that may have been out about 8 years. It was lead (perhaps made by an outfit called “Jones Junque”) and painted with enamel paint. It pretty much stayed in the shade of a white pine. Did not fade much, but a squirrel decided to gnaw on the baggage it was carrying. (They have to gnaw on things because their front teeth never stop growing.) I probably poisoned the squirrel - not intentionally - but never thought the critter would pick a lead figure to gnaw on. We also did not have squirrels in our yard before our oak tree started producing acorns. Had to file and reshape the load, then repaint it. Not sure what may have become of the squirrel.
Regards, David Meashey
January 1st 2020: End of Project Summary
Well here we are at the end of the year. It has been a brutal New Mexico turn. A below average snowfall and rain meant an above average number of clear sky days with lots of UV and wind. I think a few animals got their licks in as well.
Below you will find side by side (new versus the test subjects) comparisons for six of the figures. I could not find new versions of the other two. The most telling damage is from UV. The broken pieces are from meteoric hail strikes and not deterioration. Note that all test subjects are on the left. The inset picture is the test subject in original condition.
My observation is the most durable figure was the Woodland Scenics baggage handler. His blue uniform, red hat and dark skin are still very close to their original colors. Only the suitcase in his right hand faded significantly. The only damage of note is the bill of his hat.
In second place is a tie between the the two vinyl figures. I was surprised at the amount of oxidation on both figures even though the fading was slight. You can see it distinctly on the Mojo Indian girl. Note that the Schleich figure test subject had painted skin. I could not find one like that so I went with a molded skin color version. Nice thing about these is they don’t break. The line however is mostly 1/24th scale with few choices for 1/20.3
In third is Fun and Games with a mostly intact lumberjack. You can see that the paint held up well except for notable changes in the face and hands. This figure is epoxy like most of the others. It suffered a lot of damage and seemed to be exceptionally brittle. It was glued back together several times.
Next we have a workman from Just Plain Folks. With this one you kind of have to hold your tongue just right. There is so much variation in the production of the JPF figures that not all of the change you see is from the test. The most notable is the fading of the blue clothing.
Last place goes to Railroad Avenue. Everything on this guy faded severely. You can see their is also a weird discoloration in his crotch where it looks like the figure exuded something.
In addition to the UV fading several of the figures have whitish oxidation on them which I suspect is lead oxide. These are all made in China (except for the Prieser and Cheaple figures) which has been found to still be using lead in paint and children toys as late as 2018. Probably should not let the kids or pets chew on them.
One comment on the Cheaple figure. I cast and paint these myself. It is not really a commercially available product although I have sold a few on E-bay. The paint I use is Vallejo Acrylic Enamel, which is a commercial product and a damn good one. You will notice that this water based hobby paint not only held up for a full year without peeling or flaking but it did not fade much either.
I guess the best advice is “do not leave your figures out for extended periods” but if you do I recommend a location shielded from hail and shaded as much as possible.
Fascinating, fascinating study! Thanks for the time and expense of running this study. I am going to share it with the crew so they understand why the PLAYMOBIL has to come inside!
ALoha,
Eric
Fascinating, fascinating study! Thanks for the time and expense of running this study. I am going to share it with the crew so they understand why the PLAYMOBIL has to come inside!
ALoha,
Eric
Well done and observations seem to be fully documented. I have already taken advice on the Vallejo paints and your test here substantiates that purchase.
I am sorry that your guinea pigs were subjected to this torturous study and personally would feel much better if I had the comfort of knowing that all subjects were at least offered three meals a day and had as much liquid as each needed for their personal comforts. I’m sure that you also provided the proper medical attention on a case by case need, and though difficult due to the nature of the test, I would hope that restroom facilities were provided. Showers and tooth care allowed and encouraged for maintenance of personal hygiene.
Thank them one and all for their participation for our benefit and I would like to be the first to offer the Kingly sum of $.25 to be placed in a kitty and shared among the group for a job well done.(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)
