Maybe you should just do a hollow core layout (or something of similar size) that is more manageable in size and cost. Is the fun for you in creating the layout or running trains? For me, it is running trains so I used Unitrack. I would not try to salvage anything unless you are 100% sure it didn't get infected; the risk is just too great. Just my opinion.
Just inspect the track and keep it if it doesn't appear to be corroded, etc. Jeez, I have track that's over 50 years old, has been through many layouts, and the trains still run on it. As John indicated, disinfection is relatively easy. Doug
I wondered where you took off to. Found you! That would be good news. Before we go off half cocked. After looking at a picture of your layout and seeing you had painted it before laying the track. You are in better shape then you may realize. Allow some input from a professional cleaner. Former exec. overseeing a hospital environmental services department. There's no need to dismantle your layout. Go to one of your local cleaning supplies and ask for a Fourth Generation Quaternary. Dilute according to directions for maximum bacterial and viral kill. Most Qua-ternaries need a five minute to ten minute kill time. Spray the layout down so there is visible moisture. Keep the layout wet and use a wet vac to remove the excess moisture after five minutes. A Tuberculosidal will do nicely but it has health risks and unwanted chemical side affects for the human using them. Now from the funeral directors side of things. You can try going to your local funeral director and ask for a product called Dis-spray made by Dodge Chemical Company. This works wonders but also requires gloves, eye wear and a mask. They may or may not give you a bottle. I would offer to purchase it. In case I missed saying this: Always wear eye protection mask and gloves during the cleaning procedure. Do one of the above and you'll be in good shape to operate trains.
I see about 40 turnouts, so, at approximately $12 each, that's closer to $500 - plus the flex track. You should consider how whatever cleaning/disinfecting solution you might spray on the track could affect the electrical contacts in the turnouts - if not immediately, then over the long term.
Nuke (irradiate) it. Ionizing radiation, such as from gamma rays, x-rays or electron beams, is energy that is capable of freeing electrons from their atomic bonds (ionization) in the targeted contamination killing all bacteria and virus. That ought to sterilize it. So, just hop down to Walmart and pick up a handy home nuking device.....Well then again, may be easier to salvage the turnouts and start over.
A tough situation you have here. If the wood was sealed with paint, and the road bed too. I would agree with Barstow Rick, it just needs a good wash and disinfectant. Where in Arizona did you end up?
Most hospital grade disinfectants get used daily on electrical contacts, various kinds of metals with little to no damage to the equipment used in a hospital. Lysol is outlawed in most hospitals because of the respiratory problems that present themselves with patients suffering from various upper respiratory problems. Not something I'd recommend. I've never had problems with the mortuary grades of disinfectants and found them relatively safe to use. Providing you follow the precautions and utilization of the safety gear already stated. That's it from me. Enjoy your layout. -----------
You know that's interesting because years ago I had a fish pond with an ultraviolet light that was supposed to kill bacteria as the water flowed through the pipe, I still have that thing and I wounder if I take it apart and slowly move it around the layout after I clean it thoroughly.
Casa Grande. I was looking up near Show Low but spent last January in Pittsburgh PA and decided it was too cold for me.
Here is the thing not only do I have lot of time and money in it, but I really like this layout. I have another layout that ties into this one and use this primary for staging. Now my train collection has outgrown the staging, but I also have a small hump or Gravity yard and a service area in the middle of the staging. I know there are a few of you who have been bashing my layout for almost 10 years now, but I like it. I love the size and I personally like how it looks because it is supposed to be in the desert which happens to be my favorite place in the world.
Once you pull the turnouts, you are going to toss about $100 in material. Not a huge loss. Time is another story, I don’t like repeating steps, but I enjoy the hobby, so I don’t count the time as a loss. Think of it as an opportunity to improve things for the next version. I have parts of my layout that are on version 3 already. Life is good.
After considering you have completely painted the wood and roadbed, I have to agree with Rick. You can clean and disinfect the whole thing. Doug
Show Low isnt cold...cold is just a state of mind...lol.Stay inside when its cold. I've lived up here in Show Low since 1980. Its the 120 degree temps down on the flatlands in summer I cant handle !
https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/cleaning/index.html I like this from the first paaragraph from the CDC... "...and enough time has passed so that any infectious virus in the rodent’s urine/droppings or nesting material is no longer infectious." The article explains how to safely clean up after them. If you use their recomendations and it ruins the track and/or turnouts...you are talking about quitting N scale anyways. So no harm no foul right ?? BTW...I watched your build thread on your layout years ago. I am one of those who likes it...just sayin !
A little thread drift...but...I dont see any For Sale signs at your ranch. Did you finally sell it ???
I’ve only been here a month and I haven’t sold my place in CA yet. I’m moving in little at a time first because I need to build a shop to put all my stuff in so I’m driving back and forth working on both places. One to move into and one to sell.
I know my wife doesn’t like the heat, but she picked the house so I don’t expect too much complaining on her end. I suffer chronic nerve pain and the cold is no friend of mine. I have noticed an increditable reduction in pain since I’ve been here. I love getting up early in the morning and walking around outside without pain. And when it gets too hot I can come inside to play with my trains.