Air Purifiers/Scrubbers

Many folks opt for an exhaust fan to simply route the smoke outside.

Look for heppa type filters.

the best way, don't forget you need as much fresh air coming in as going out. you NEVER want to create negative pressure in your house.

Thank you for your replies. I hadn't considered an exhaust fan as an option. I'll have to do a little research.

How well do the heppa type filters work; I realize that none will clear the air 100%?

Jim

I think you'll be a lot happier with the exhaust fan than screwing around with filters.  They will filter particles out of the air, but you won't lose all the smell.

Actually a filter is a better method and some do scrub odors as well.  Besides the smoke, if your going to circulate air in a train room your also going to move around dust and dirt.  So best to filter that out while your at it.   G

What do you use as a filter?

I just open a window!

 Hospitals use them in operating rooms. Have for years. I've scene them in portable

models. Use the heppa term when looking for portable filter systems.

The optimal solution would be to recirculate the air within the room using an air cleaner that has both a HEPA filter and activated carbon (for odor removal). This eliminates the need for makeup air required for an exhaust fan. I recall that toy train smoke is actually an emulsion, not a particulate so the activated carbon would be more effective. I see some on the internet rated at 400cfm and including ultraviolet as well for about $800. They sit on the floor and are very compact. These units would greatly reduce dust accumulation and provide the train room with the best air in the house. 

I installed as part of the original building construction a large "whole house" type exhaust fan in the ceiling. It is efficient and takes care of any smoke buildup.

I learned from my two previous layouts that this was the easiest way to take care of this problem.

when I was replacing my furnace I asked the installer to remove the intake fan. I then mounted it along with some tees and flexible duct in the ceiling of the layout.

I can switch on the fan as the exhaust goes out a basement window into a window well.

Hi Alan:

I assume that the fan you installed does a very good job for you. Engine smoke in a confined area can be a big problem.

I use an ALEN air filter machine. It uses a HEPA filter, has an ionization feature, and 4 speeds. The foam filter at the beginning of the airflow is washed about every couple of months, while the main ALEN filter is changed at approx. 1 1/2 year intervals. The filters are examined every few months to see how dirty they are. I write the installation date on the filter when it's changed. The ALEN brand isn't cheap, but the one I have does a good job with smoke and dust. The ALEN brand was rated well. It's a good idea to check the web for best prices.

Whats wrong with a smoke filled room full of steam engines chuffing all over the place?Crack a window.

Thanks again for the advice and suggestions. I wish I had the option of opening windows, but we have glass blocks rather than windows. A hammer would, I suppose, fix that. I do like the idea of both the filter and the exhaust fan. I can't wait to see what I come up with.

Jim

I've used something like pictured below for the last five years.  It sucks all the air in the room through it and two or three levels of filter.  

I'm did not buy it for the germ-guard features, or frankly, taking smoke-unit made smoke out of the air though, but because air-borne dust from my workshop would make drift into the train-room and onto the layout even if I was careful.  It has cut down on that a lot although I have to remember to change the filters. 

A filter with Charcoal will "help" to remove/absorb the odor... if you use an exhaust fan just remember you'll need make up air.. an inlet for the exhaust fan to work properly.. 'exhaust fan with a window cracked' is your best

An Arturo Fuente Churchill will overwhelm even the most voluminous model train smoke.

It probably won't placate the Mrs., however.

Check out the IQ Air Health Pro Plus. It's got HEPA and charcoal . Excellent build quality. It will run about $850. But in my opinion it is the best you can get.

Brad

"An Arturo Fuente Churchill will overwhelm even the most voluminous model train smoke."

Indeed, there's nothing like a good Churchillian cigar ... but Ashton Coronas are my favorites.

I sincerely appreciate the recommendations for the filters/scrubbers. In terms of price, the cost of one is less than the that of a new VL locomotive and will allow me to use all the bells, whistles, and smoke units of those engines and accessories I already have.

Jim

My office is 11x11, and I'm allowed to smoke my cigars since I've invested in a Rabbit Minus A2 filter to get the particulate and some odor, and then a catalytic burner from France, called Lampe Berger. Use of the burner lamp combined with the filter remove the smoke/staleness.

The slight smell of cigar tobacco that is left is due to the soft materials in my office. Blankets on the couch, fleece pullover on the door, etc.

Any High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter will not help with soft materials.

I have a air filter machine that handles most of my basement/train rooms. My problem is not the Oder it is the amount smoke that keeps setting off the smoke alarms. The air filter machine does a good job at keeping the dust issue under control. Less dusting of the shelve queens which I have way to many off.

Odium is an expensive spray.  But it can cut the smell of smoke.  Even the Pepe LePew Marx smoke.  Also, cuts smell of vomit, manure, et. al.

Which begs the question: Why are you putting vomit and manure in your smoke units? ;-)

I like button 1 on the DCS remote.................. Smoke Off.

Now your talking!