Dust. It loves everything doesn't it? Take my new gaming computer. I finished her up last week and already she's got dust on the inside that made it past my fans dust shields. You can only imagine the fun I had cleaning that out. Well dust....and husky fur in my case.... tends to love our model trains to death. How does one get around that? I've found that cotton swabs, paper towel moist with water, and many other tricks are temporary. Cotton swabs tend to push the dust around. And water? Well you just wet the dust and it settles back down. But after cleaning out my new computer, I turned to a weapon I've always used for my PC, Keyboard, etc: COMPRESSED AIR CANS. I find that a quick blowing of the can can move the dust off the units and the track for that matter. I dust my units off onto the track, then suck it up with the vacuum cleaner. Becareful as the cans will go frigid after using them rapidly. I haven't tested this but I've felt my skin start to stick, almost a pre-tongue on lamp post in winter thing. But the air at a high compressed volume takes care of stubborn dust on the units. They run about 7 bucks in a 3 pack and I go through compressed air like crazy. But it's nice because I don't want my GP40's boxed up, I'd rather they sit on the tracks. It's one of those little tricks that tends to be overlooked. Just go to like Wal-Mart or any other store (I mention them because that's what we have in my town; the oldest Wal-Mart in our suburban area.) and look for Cans of Compressed air in the electronics department. It's a great tool any model railroader could benefit from.
I have three different sized air compressors. From air brush up to commercial garage capable. I just take things outside, dial the regulator waaaaaay down and give 'em a very gentle blow. For stubborn areas, I have a couple of brushes purchased at the art supply, which are quite soft bristled. Those will usually suffice to dislodge any stubborn accumulation. Sometimes the dust does look like a freebie weathering job. Where do your keep your computer? Under desk? I found that made things exponentially worse for dust and pet hair collecting. Boxcab E50
My case has a window and a fan so it sits on top of the desk, but that doesn't help much. Computers are a magnet to dust xD
Oh yes. We have a friend who insists upon having hers under desk. And she constantly has troubles. I clean mine out frequently, keeping it on desk top. It has a way of letting me know. When the power supply fan starts speeding up, I can hear it. Oddly, the processor and case fans never make any noise. Boxcab E50
