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 Posted - December 26 2010 : 10:23:14 PM
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My future plan for my trains consists of an enclosed trailer and was wondering, is it insulation or climate control (I.E a/c) that prevents rust of trains? I dunno where I'll be station, but, I do know weather and humidity doesnt mix with model trains too well!
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - December 26 2010 : 10:30:08 PM
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quote: was wondering, is it insulation or climate control (I.E a/c) that prevents rust of trains? ]
Originally posted by Redneck Justin - December 26 2010 : 10:23:14 PM
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Well, both , actually. Insulation helps, but actual climate control ( lower temperatures, low humidity, etc ) is what saves the trains from rusting. Constant temperature fluctuations as well as humidity changes are what cause the rust, because of condensation. You need both to keep them rust-free. Another way would be to put them into tightly sealed containers which you could slightly pressurize with Helium or Nitrogen, eliminate all or most oxygen, and they won't rust at all, no matter the temperature fluctuations. No oxygen, no rust. Would be costly to do, but would keep them safe.
Jerry
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - December 26 2010 : 11:34:23 PM
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If you will have 110 volts available, you could just run a de-humidifier. It should eliminate all moisture in the trailer so long as the trailer is decently sealed up most of the time. No moisture = no rust/corrosion.
Heat fluctuation won't cause rusting. The only value of a/c is that it displaces moist air with dry air from the a/c unit. But high heat WILL cause plastic pieces like shells and chassis to warp. So you will want to keep the trailer in the shade rather then in the sun during the summer.
I keep most of my plastic cars and 1/35 scale armour models in an unheated, uninsulated, non-a/c equiped Tuff shed. No problems with rust or warped parts after 4 years of storage. The shed is equiped with 3 floor vents and a single roof turbine. I live in the high desert in North-central New Mexico. Summer temps hit 110F with winter getting down into the teens. Humidity levels are very low year round except 1-2 weeks in July when we have the "rainy season".
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