I have a slight problem. I have stored all of my locos and rolling stock in A-Line boxes because I currently don’t have the space for a permanent layout. I have noticed that all of my locos develop moisture on the bottoms of the trucks. This is just moisture, not oil. I have checked. I would like to know if there is a solution to this problem.
Thanks,
Will
A relatively easy way is to ensure your engines are stored in an airtight container and go to an RV dealership and ask for their dessicating crystals. They sell pots that you fill with a couple pounds of dessicating crystals that wick moisture from the air, and that moisture accumulates in the bowl…which you must periodically empty.
In your case, I would find a plastic tub, place the engines inside safely, and then place a small bowl in the container with the crystals before you seal it up. Go back in a couple of days, maybe four, and see if you find the crystals damp or laden with water. Once you dump any water, the trains should stay dry in the properly sealed container. You can always leave a small cup of crystals inside for good measure.
moisture will condense on the oil, particularly if there is no air movement and the temps cooler and humid. The dessicant crystals are good as long as you seal the boxes up. I have seen the crystals at TSC, a farm supply/hardware store. Some of the crystals now change color when they have absorbed all they can and can be reactivated by putting them in the oven and drying them out.
Will,
First question: Where are you storing your boxes? Are they in a moist basement?
A dehumidifier would also take care of the problem. Course, it would be a more expensive alternative than a desiccant. As long as you can leave your A-line boxes sealed from the moisture - i.e. no admiring your locomotives and rolling stock, the desiccant idea should work.
Another plan would be to find a drier part of the house to store your boxes in.
Tom
I forgot to go into further detail. The boxes are stored under my bed in a climate controlled room. I have only noticed the moisture on the bottom of the trucks. No other place has moisture. The locos are also protected with the white foam that A-Line sells. It is only used on the bottom and the sides.
Will
Well, Will. You’re just gonna have to stop wetting the bed. [:o)]
Can you store the boxes up on a shelf somewhere where they can get some ventilation? I’m assuming that they just aren’t getting any air flow where they are now.
Tom
In the past I have simply used a thick paper towel. No moisture problem . Cheap , should already have some in your house.Other ideas mentioned above are great ideas also
I looked into the a month back. The problem I have is that the RV dessicant systems are rather large, if you want to put dessicant into a drawer or box etc. And the crystals are actually just rock salt. No kidding, Check it out!
The next problem that I found is that no one in the entire area sold those little silica gel packs that you get in shipments of electronics etc. One one dealer had some, and in large quantities for $200 minimum purchase (these are sold to shippers in large quantities, see.)
So here is the answer…this seems to be the only guy who solves this problem.
http://www.jakesmp.net/CSD_Silica_Gel/CSD_Silica_004_M.html
He has lots and lots of sizes of silica gel packs…superior to RV dessicants because no liquid water is produced at all. and he also has really helpful paper sensor strips to tell you the humidity of your containers.
I ordered 1 pound packs for only $11 each…and believe me, one pound goes a long long way. Just one ounce protects 3 square feet…which is an enormous area when taking about loco boxes or drawers. And the substance can be reused by reheating in an oven or microwave etc.
But you can order the little packs already made up just the same as the ones you get in your electronics etc.
I then put about a couple of tablespoons of crystal in some little pill boxes with holes drilled, and then in some boxes I wanted to protect.
Yes, that is correct. The packages of refill clearly list sodium chloride as sole ingredient.
That is the reason a pool of water is produced and that the crystals are consumed in the process.
That is the reason silica gel is used in industry. It is many many times more effiecient as a dessicant and it is not consumed in the process. It is much more stable and easier to maintain and rejuvenate with external heat.