How to protect your model railway from the hot weather

Ok its summer here in the UK and as i write this the Mercury is already nudging 32 degrees C, this is where we need to think about how we can protect our model railways from the excess heat in our homes from the lovely but very hot weather.

Typically our hobby is done in the winter months, as the dark wet days and nights draw in its time to find the indoor hobbies, as a BBQ and a trip to the seaside is not typically on everyones list. As such its typically where we may do some track laying, making buildings adding details etc to our model railways. At the time this wouldnt normally cause any reason to be concerned however, turn the heat up and we can have a real number of problems starting to pop up.

Below are some of the typical things which can occour in hot weather:

  • Track expands – yes, heat makes metal expand, this can result in track buckling and twisting
  • detailing items become un stuck
  • card and laser cut kits start to de laminate
  • electrical problems
  • point motors jam

So the question is how do we protect our model railways from the hot weather?

Sadly theres no real quick fix, but things can be done to help prevent and reduce the risk to damage and problems.

Below are some suggestions and considerations you could use:

  • layouts location – is the layout in a stuffy room like an attic? or in the direct light from the sun at various parts of the day? do the windows open on the room? Think about where you layout is located, if its in a stuffy place with little ventilation, you probably need to consider at least getting a Fan or some basic air con to keep the room at a comfortable temperature. Also if you can avoid the layout being in direct sunlight during the day it removes not only the UV light which can fade card buildings and other items but also takes the heat away from direct areas.
  • Expansion gaps in your track – this can be a real game changer, when you first lay your track always, allow for some expansion at each joint, dead end sidings are not realy an issue, but certanly for the classic roundy roundy train sets and those with run round loops, or those exhibition layouts with soldered joints at the base board edges, by putting in a 1mm gap at each fish plate joint it will allow some movement of the rails reducing the risk of over expansion. Additionally i believe Peco now make an expansion track piece in OO Gauge. Remember the bigger the layout the more expansion joints you need.
  • Things coming un stuck – its never a nice feeling when that building you spent ages crafting or that little cameo scene starts to become unstuck. Essentially this is where the glue is failing, in the heat, and typically happens more in direct sun light, as i mentioned above if possible keep the layout and any models out of direct sun light, it doesnt do them any good at all. If you cant move the layout think about closing the curtains/blinds or putting dust sheets over the layout.
  • Electrical problems – again this can happen due to some connections shorting out either by the track expansion or by some of the parts in your wiring system, try and figure out what it is before you rip the wiring out in fustraition, chances are it will be a connection thats worked loose or a rail thats bridged the gap somewhere.
  • Sticky point motors – Solnoid point motors can become sticky, especially if mounted above the layout possibly in those little cabin covers you can get for them, where possible fix them under the layout, if its not possible use a light oil such as 3 in 1 or some silicon spray on the metal moving parts, this will just help the motor to fire over a lot easier
  • Painting and glueing – you will find that if you decide to do some painting or glueing its going to dry a lot faster than normal, so be prepared for it, if possible do it in the evenings when the heat of the day has gone, you may also find that with the heat the paint or resins can bloom, giving an unwanted cloudy effect thats more or less impossible to get rid of.

No doubt others will have other suggestions but by doing some or even all of the above, your layout should stand a good chance of surviving in the heat, some things may be un avoidable but if you can at least do something you know that your hard work will be alright. If things do go wrong, then you as the skilled modeller will be able to make the repairs, or even see it as an opportunity to make some changes to your layout over winter.

What ever happens just remember its a hobby.

 

About North Western Models

 

At North Western Models we believe that it’s the detail that brings a model railway to life.

North Western Models was established in 2015 by Kevin Colley and Christopher Gore as an online model shop based in Stockport, Cheshire. Initially dealing with high quality detailing accessories and kits, North Western Models prides itself in serving the model railway community to promote the notion that detailing helps to bring a model railway to life.

Kevin and Christopher have a lifelong passion with railways in general and also with model railways. Between them, they have planned, built and exhibited a number of layouts in 00 and N gauge at various local model shows. Kevin and Christopher regularly attend a number of exhibitions each year, either trading as North Western Models or with one of their layouts which is currently on the exhibition circuit.

Kevin Colley, North Western Models Co-founder
Kevin Colley, North Western Models Co-founder