Hi there. I’m just getting interested again in model railroading and I am wanting to put a layout in my backyard. However, I live in the High Desert of California, and frequently we get high winds and a LOT of dust blowing. Any suggestions? Do I try to reduce dust pollution or accept it and integrate it into the layout?
I’d of thought your main problem would be dust sticking to grease and oil on the mechanisims and creating extra wear. If you restrict operating to when it’s calmer and sweep out the switches it could really add to the weathering effect if you’re modelling a desert line.
A friend of mine has a 30ft by 8 ft pergola on his O gauge garden line so he can shelter his trains when a rain shower blows in without taking it all off, it has plants growing up it and corrugated clear plastic sheets on top. Maybe you could adapt the idea to protect your line from dust using sheeting on the sides or planting?
Best of luck and keep us informed
Paul
I live in the high desert, too, here in southeast Arizona at an altitude of 5400 feet, and dust storms are a problem until the summer rainy season.
I ran a track into an outdoor storage shed and keep my locomotives and rolling stock inside it when they are not being operated.
I run everything from battery power, so dirt on the track is of no concern. I just walk the track with a whisk broom and brush away any large objects that may cause a derailment.
This must be quite interesting but not so pleasant at times when dust storms set in. Instead i have monsoonsal weather.
I have the different sets of problems living near the Coral Sea and in the tropics; but never the less i am sure we can all help each other in some way; and have much in common.
Rgds Ian