Large Scale Central

Layout Contamination

General Discussion
#1

With the advent of spring, garden railroaders need to carefully check their layouts for a potential buildup of dihydrogen monoxide (DHMO), also known as hydroxyl acid. DHMO is a by-product from the burning of fossil fuels and is the major component of acid rain. It accumulates naturally on brass, aluminum, and stainless steel rails over the winter months.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported record levels of DHMO this past winter, especially in the northeastern portion of the US.

DHMO can cause electrical failures in your locomotives and significantly decrease traction. It also contributes to the erosion of ballast and can adversely affect the appearance of structures.

Use caution when removing DHMO from your layout. It can cause severe burns and accelerates the corrosion of many metals. It can be fatal if inhaled.

For more information on DHMO, please see the official website at http://www.dhmo.org

#2

Did that this morning, didn’t ja. I checked the date. :wink:

#3

April Fools!

#4

I guess I need to stop licking the track then?

#5

I use nothing but distilled DHMO in my live steamers, with no ill effects.

#6

Dihydro monoxide is also the major component of most pesticides and many other toxic substances. DHMO is considered to be a solvent, and can be used to suspend many salts and metals. It can be found in sewage, and Sludge. It is found in alcohols of all ilk. Its vapors make up 98% of all green house gasses. The Classical Greeks are presumed to have first put it to work, and it has been widely used in engines since the Industrial Revolution.

#7

Other than DHMO replacing DMSO as a food additive in Chinese cooking, I think enough has been said.

#8

Why would you think that, John? 'Splain yersef.(http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

#9

In school we used to call it dihydrogen oxide. I find that it is a good solvent for certian paints and other substances I use in weathering. When mixed with some dish soap, it does a great job cleaning the rails, my hands, and rolling stock. And I know my fish can not live without it.

Yes, in vapor foam it can burn, in solid form it can cause damage to the skin, and inhaled in quantity, it can cause death. So it should be handled with caution.

#10

Steve Featherkile said:

Why would you think that, John? 'Splain yersef.(http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

I have never been able to ‘Splain myself’, not to parents, not to teachers, not to spouses (yours or mine), not to… hang on, let me check. Nope. No plans to start now.

Have a nice Day

#11

I know I’m safe, and have been for many years. I never add it to my Whisky…!!

#12

I have cats, they alert me whenever DHMO is present or is about to be.

#13

Fred Mills, BSc, BS, SD (Hons) said:

I know I’m safe, and have been for many years. I never add it to my Whisky…!!

I ferment yeast, hops, and barley in it instead and get a tasty beverage.

#14

Tomorrow is looking even better…

#15

Actually I find a morning shower of warm dihydrogen monoxide (DHMO) is invigorating and gets me going for the day! Governments be damned!

#16

Steve, me too, and I am sure my customers and co-workers appreciate it too.

#17

David Maynard said:

Steve, me too, and I am sure my customers and co-workers appreciate it too.

Even as far away as Washington State, we appreciate it. (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)

#18

Steve Featherkile said:

Dihydro monoxide is also the major component of most pesticides and many other toxic substances. DHMO is considered to be a solvent, and can be used to suspend many salts and metals. It can be found in sewage, and Sludge. It is found in alcohols of all ilk. Its vapors make up 98% of all green house gasses. The Classical Greeks are presumed to have first put it to work, and it has been widely used in engines since the Industrial Revolution.

Darn Steve… It seems I have all of this crap around our area here, except not to sure on the Alcohols… Is “Millers” contaminated if activated inhaling the Green Gasses in our area when sipping it? Probably Dr. Pepper is not good either.

" Just kindling Steve."

#19

I thought you were experiencing a shortage of DHMO out your way, Noel. I saw it on the news.

#20

Also on the lookout for accumulations of Hydrogen Hydroxide and Hydroganol. Heavy duty industrial solvents that dissolve almost everything. Both are very nasty.