09-25-2009, 12:30 PM
Where almost all the activity my trains are involved in is at shows on the modular layout, they get handled a lot! For the most part, I haven't noticed any buildup of "stuff"( what happens more often, is "detail removal" ). The things that are exposed (not in boxes), do get a lot of dust, which is removed with a small soft dry brush, and low pressure air (via the airbrush, without the paint cup, and nozzle assembly).
This even works on the rigging of ship models, though the process is slower, and more carefully done.
I haven't tried water/alcohol mist on the "layout dust", but it would stand to reason that this method would very closely mirror normal natural external "weathering". I may have to set up a small diorama on which to test this "rain wash" technique. Perhaps, again, low pressure air could be used to knock off most of the loose dust, before "washing". I would not recommend a vacuum cleaner, although there are tiny ones made for just that purpose, that work to some extent and don't remove all the "foliage".
This even works on the rigging of ship models, though the process is slower, and more carefully done.
I haven't tried water/alcohol mist on the "layout dust", but it would stand to reason that this method would very closely mirror normal natural external "weathering". I may have to set up a small diorama on which to test this "rain wash" technique. Perhaps, again, low pressure air could be used to knock off most of the loose dust, before "washing". I would not recommend a vacuum cleaner, although there are tiny ones made for just that purpose, that work to some extent and don't remove all the "foliage".
We always learn far more from our own mistakes, than we will ever learn from another's advice.
The greatest place to live life, is on the sharp leading edge of a learning curve.
Lead me not into temptation.....I can find it myself!
The greatest place to live life, is on the sharp leading edge of a learning curve.
Lead me not into temptation.....I can find it myself!