We've all come across those little packets or plastic cylinders of dessicant that are included in the packaging of all sorts of items. I'm generally in the habit of setting them aside for other purposes.
Shift now to the storage of your rolling stock, locos and other items. We've all come across old Blue Box bar weights, motor clips, wheel sets (cars and locos), and other things that look like they'd been warehoused for a few winters in Oregon. And this certainly applies to all manufacturers. We can certainly expect the threat of rust when storing our gear in a garage or damp basement. But I suspect that even storage in a house could result in the "Red Surprise" in certain circumstances.
If I recall, I may have opened some MRR packaging to find these little packets inside. But then, my memory is slowing transitioning to an altered state. How many of you make an effort when storing your goodies to use these dessicant, either in the individual car/loco box or in the larger storage crate? And, where storing locos, do dessicants have any negative effect on either lubricants (it's a given that they are not water-based) or other components?
John
When I discovered my brass Tenwheeler after more than 40 years of storage, there was a little bag of that hygroscopic stuff in the box. It didn´t do any harm.
I have never heard of any water-based lubricant.
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
According to the Internet (so it must be true) those packets last 2-5 years and can be reactivated by heating. From my distant chemistry courses, SiO2 ought to be pretty unreactive.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I like to keep a few in my drawers. NO not those drawers — the drawers where I keep my files. For whatever reason, it seems like files are prone to easily rusting and nothing ruins an expensive file quicker than rust.
I rotate the packets and place newer ones in there when I get them.
Good Luck, Ed
Google 'are dessicant packets reusable' to learn all about the "recharging" of dessicant packets. They must be dried out and stored properly prior to reuse, and they do have a useful life of 12 or less months.
Rich
Alton Junction
I never knew what they are for, or that they had a name. So they stop rust?
Mike.
My You Tube
mbinsewiSo they stop rust?
No, they try to keep the air dry.
maxman mbinsewi So they stop rust? No, they try to keep the air dry.
mbinsewi So they stop rust?
Just do not eat them
gmpullmanI like to keep a few in my drawers. NO not those drawers
Whoa.... keep that to yourself!
The name kinda explains what they are for ... and for those who never took science class, google is your friend
I'd guess you can "recharge them" or uncharge them, by putting them in an oven at low temperature for an hour or two to drive off any moisture they have absorbed.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I have bought them on ebay for pretty-close-to-dirt prices.
The only thing I use them for is the drawers where I store my decals.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
SeeYou190 I have bought them on ebay for pretty-close-to-dirt prices.
riogrande5761The name kinda explains what they are for ... and for those who never took science class, goodle is your friend
Truly a "senior moment" Working all day in sunshine, the first in about 4 months?? The connection wasn't made until I clicked on "Submit Your Reply".
I remember my wife dropping her phone in the minnow bucket, while fishing, so we buried it in a baggy of rice.
typo fixed. I don't touch type as well on laptop keyboards.
mbinsewi I remember my wife dropping her phone in the minnow bucket, while fishing, so we buried it in a baggy of rice.
You can regenerate them in the oven. The ones in paper can handle a couple hundred degrees F (80-100C). The ones in the plastic barrels might melt. I regen mine in the microwave. Microwaves will heat the water in them and drive it out. Just a couple minutes on high.
One thing I use mine for is in a mini dessicator out of an old pill bottle. I store my CA this way and it lasts for years. Much less likely to clog. CA is activated by moisture in the air.
I have yet to do this but was thinking of cutting the face from the barrels, painting rust and putting in a junk pile somewhere. Nice little holes and detail.
Bachmann for many years included (and maybe still do?) a small clear plastic bag of plastic scale coal chunks with their steam engine models. The chunks were meant to glued wherever you thought appropriate, like in the cab or coal deck or to change the look of the coal pile. From what I understand, many people just threw them away, thinking it was a dessicant.
Whatever you do keep them away from Pets it could kill them if ingested.
Joe Staten Island West