I will soon be preparing my 4 x 8 industrial switching layout for a one-year hiatus while I go on academic sabbatical.
I’ve searched the archives and saw a thread about protecting layouts from chewing critters here in Northern California. Whereas indications are that this will not be an issue for me, I’ll take the advised precautions.
Meanwhile, I’m wondering if others have had experience with putting a layout to bed for a year or so?
My plan was to pack rolling stock in newspapers (or original boxes where available) and put them away in boxes in a secure location. I was also planning on covering the layout with plastic to keep the overall dust layer to a minimum.
Are there other things I should think about that I have missed? Should I coat the track to minimize the ever-present oxidation?
Sounds to me like you’ve got all of your bases covered… Just be sure to store your locos and rolling stock in a climate friendly environment away from excessive heat and/or humidity. As for your tracks. Just be sure and give them a good cleaning before you run anything when you get ready to use the layout again.
I would think about ventilating the plastic, probably on the underside. You don’t want to get any condensation in there, and with all the water that goes into scenery, and the humidity you might have there, I could see moisture on the inside. I might not be a concern, but it can’t hurt.
Newspapers can come off on things if there is any chance of humidity or dampness. Bubble wrap may be better. A friend publishes books, and wraps them in bubble wrap for the ones in delayed storage, which is not climately controlled. It protects the covers, binding and pages from any moisture.
For the opposite reason, as stated in a post above I would use cloth dropcloths instead of plastic, which can then trap moisture under it on your ground foam or plaster or whatever.
Be sure to lay down all tall or “tender”(such as trees) structures or scenery vulnerable to the weight of the drop cloth. Prop up your dropcloth so some air can circulate.