Thanks for that Rich. My understanding is that that is not a problem with A4. if anyone knows better let me know. I think there is an oxide layer which effectively prevents further corrosion either galvanically or otherwise but that the mechanism (I always wonder why that is not a chemism but hey) you outline can be a problem with other grades and so for example A2 will corrode in the presence of chloride ions. The galavanic corrosion could occur by the way with either copper or tin so both copper and bronze are in the frame. I shall however be monitoring anxiously the start of any fasteners which penetrate into the boiler interior. MODEL ENGINEERING DISCUSSION LIST. To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, send a blank email to, modeleng-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line.