Model Railway Forum

Hi everyone — I’m wrestling with dust on my train layout and need your suggestions and photos of solutions that work.

Problem: I’ve tried covering the layout with plastic sheeting, but that damages delicate details: tree tops get broken off and rooftop items like antennas and lightning arrestors are snapped when the cover is put on or removed.

Leaving the layout uncovered avoids that damage but means a heavy, unpleasant clean: about four hours to clean scenery and track after even moderate dust.

What I’m looking for

Practical cover ideas that protect fine details (trees, antennas, small rooftop details) without crushing them.

Cleaning methods and products that cut the cleaning time for scenery and track.

Storage or layout-room solutions (air filters, cases, removable detail tips, etc.) that you’ve used successfully.

Photos of your covers, protective techniques, or “before and after” cleaning results — especially any methods that protect tall, fragile details.

Please post short descriptions, links, and photos. Thanks — I’d love to see what’s worked for you.

Cheers!
Charles

I don’t think there is a way of keeping dust off a layout. Brush with a very soft brush such as a make-up brush is what I do when required.

Information on the location, size and shape of the layout would be useful.

Locations like unconverted lofts and sheds are almost impossible to prevent dust blowing in and about. As for keeping dust sheets off delicate items perhaps some sort of light dismantleable framework that would support the dust sheets.

Richard

Impossible to keep dust off a layout. Unless covers are hermetically sealed, dust will still creep in and that's before you consider any potential damage, so don't bother.
As Brian suggested, a soft, clean makeup brush is excellent for clearing dust without damage. I combine mine with a small vacuum cleaner which is held a few inches above the layout and disturb the dust with the brush to get it into the air that is being sucked into the cleaner.
I also give the scenery an annual blow over with a low pressure airline to clear the debris from grass and bushes - if it was glued properly in the first place it won't budge.
I did pickup a very small vacuum cleaner usually used to clean computer keyboards - this is small enough to run directly along the rails without touching the scenery at all.

A year round problem here on Bribie Island which is a sand Island. Layout is in the garage which is certainly not draught proof. I've been using the make up brush for years to get the dust off. Worse in summer with the heat and humidity, where everything sticks.