Guys,
Big giant maple leaves are covering my new not-yet-finished layout. Raking would be impossible with all the boulders, etc.
So I check out Consumers Report on leaf blowers.
They recommended an electric Toro model #51598. 225 MPH at the nozzle. (Set on high). It has an infinite number of speeds. Has a rheostat for a throttle. From a relatively mild breeze to a Tornado.
So go down to the nearest Home Depot and they had them. (Shocked the hell out of me–usually they don’t have nothing I need.) It also vacuums and shreds, if you want that feature.
I plugs it in and heads to the layout. These are big, wet, tightly packed maple leaves jammed in the nooks and crannies. Completely covering the layout.
I set it on full speed and Crimeny! It blew the leaves right out of the rocks, and the top layer of gravel fill, too!!!
I turned it down a little and blew all the leaves right off the layout.
I was amazed.
I then took it over and blew the leaves off of some bark covered landscaping. I figured the bark would go to, but I adjusted the air a little and only blew a little bark away. But all the leaves were gone.!
I’m sold on this gizmo!
It’s perfect for de-leaving my layout.
Not sure if it’ll blow the ballast off, but that remains to be seen next fall. No ballast yet on the layout–no track either. 
jb
Might work well for removing undesired rolling stock too!
Tom Ruby said:What about unwanted relatives?
Might work well for removing undesired rolling stock too!
Ok, guys you’re making it difficult for me to get my mind out of the gutter…
Warren
I have an electric Toro, blower/vac. It is awkward to carry, but does the job well. It has a metal impeller, that stands up to stone and flesh. Even bones and the odd kidney stone seems to bounce off the impeller. The bag holds a good load, when you consider that it pulverizes everything that it sucks up.
I don’t have many leaves, but lots of Pine and Spruce needles and cones.
I have that same one, Fred. The metal blades convinced me - that and the variable speed. This year I bought their leaf collection system which allows you to connect it directly to one of those collapsible bins - so you don’t have to dump it into the trash bag.
I’ve yet to try it out as most of the leaves are still on the trees…
My next door neighbor was attempting to blow his driveway with a gas Stihl yesterday. And I mean attempting. I brought out the Toro (with the metal impeller) and proceeded to kick his butt!
That Stihl didn’t have a chance. Just a toy!
The only draw back is towing an extension cord around. But I’d rather do that than mess with gas and oil, pull my brains out on a starter cord, noisy, smoky, etc…
I also have an electric chainsaw–a 12 Amp Ryobi, that can cut just as fast as most gas saws.
I have bucked up cords and cords of wood with it.
jb
Warren Mumpower said:
Ok, guys you're making it difficult for me to get my mind out of the gutter..:(Warren
Squeeky,
You need one of these contraptions. Seems the last time I was there, your house was filling up with leaves every time you opened the door.
Ooops, I forgot. That means you would have to do a little manual labor, huh?
jb
John Bouck said:Warren Mumpower said:
Ok, guys you're making it difficult for me to get my mind out of the gutter..:(Warren
Squeeky,
You need one of these contraptions. Seems the last time I was there, your house was filling up with leaves every time you opened the door.
Ooops, I forgot. That means you would have to do a little manual labor, huh?
jb
Squeaky, does that mean that you are finally going to clean out your gutters?
madwolf
Warren Mumpower said:Gutter ball!
Ok, guys you're making it difficult for me to get my mind out of the gutter..:( Warren
"John" said:I just can't imagine who it was that was tracking those leaves all over my house.....:P
Seems the last time I was there, your house was filling up with leaves every time you opened the door.
Warren