QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Cleaning the layout
Q.
It seems that keeping a layout clean means more than just
keeping the clutter off the scenery. I have a lot of dust bunnies
building up. Spiders find my corners and make webs every-
where. Prolific ladybugs cause derailments by being "run over"
by a train. What do you do for general cleaning, and is there a
way to prevent the critters from returning?
– Nelson Beaudry
A.
We get the coolest questions (and answers) here at MRH
Global Headquarters. A couple of the answers to this one include
health warnings and precautions people need to follow.
Here are some approaches:
Electrostatic air cleaners
Ozone generators
Hedgeballs
Chemical pest control
Sweeping compound
Latex concrete sealer
Peppermint
Box fan and filters
There are two issues. One is dust in the moving air around the
layout, and the other is arachnids/insects. Pollen, house dust
and lint can be controlled with an air cleaner, either attached to
the heating/cooling system or a stand-alone plug-in model. You
can also remove carpeting, or vacuum frequently. Your choice.
Tiny wildlife
If you can't tolerate creepy-crawlies, discourage them by sprin-
kling baking soda and Ant Killer diatomaceous earth around
the perimeter of the entire basement or train room, or seal the
area and set off Raid fumigator bombs twice a year. The bombs
should be done twice within a month to get the hatchlings.
– Crandell
Reader
tommyl
suggests his mom's remedy: Diluting a few drops
of peppermint oil with water, and misting it into the basement
window areas and lightly around the room will keep spiders
away for about 6 months. He admits the train room did smell like
candy canes for a day or so.
There is an old-time insect deterrent of hedgeballs (1). Says
Steve in Iowa City,
“I've not tried them myself, but my wife
and many others in the family swear by them. She warns me to
pass on that they should be kept away from small kids. Maybe
hot-glue some up under the layout or maybe even build a barn
around one? They are about the same as a pear, or a kiwi, and
are a cool-looking retro green color. I've found them in baskets
for sale at lawn and garden stores.”
Questions, Answers & Tips - 1
MRH-Jul 2013
