PCSing

I once shipped a fragile piece of pottery across country without incident.  The trick is for the piece to held firm so there won’t be any movement and then, a protective layer around it.  It was packed in foam peanuts in a box which was in turn put in a second larger box surround with a 2 inch layer of peanuts.  A built model packed in peanuts will shift a bit and the fiddly bits can break off. 

The link below is for a variation of a wooden carrying case I saw on line.  It holds the model very secure, no movement at all, but for shipping you may want to use the wing Velcro too.  If this was used in the bottom of a box that could be put inside a second with peanuts, in theory, it will work. I imagine this can be modified to be used with any kind of built model.

Hmmm…  I need to do some work on my roof soon... may just be able to test that theory

http://wingnutmodels.com/Transport%20Box.html

As usual, Swanny has some helpful advice on this topic too:

http://www.swannysmodels.com/Packaging.html

I don't have anything to add for built models, but for unbuilt, you may want to consider taking out the decal sheets and hand-carrying or mailing them.  With summer coming on, its hard telling how long you're goods may sit on the dock in a sealed transport container baking in the sun.  Let us know how it goes and any lessons learned.  I expect my next PCS in about two years.

Believe it or don't, but FSM had an article on this subject back in the early 90's
(I should get paid for this huh Matt?)
Anyway,  it involved plenty of TP, one roll per model and you just wrap them,and  wrap them, mummy like.
Mine was a PCS from Alaska to Chicago and only one model had a broken piece.
I had F1 cars, Indy cars, tanks, airplanes and cars. I lost the machine gun barrel on the .50 of my M2, which I should have removed in the first palce!
However, for the most part, moving companies will not cover models in a move. . .(but remember to call them adult collectables and they might) if you let them pack. But they will survive better if you pack.
Take this with the usual grain of salt since I haven't PCS'd in 12 years.
Good Luck and thanks for your service to our country.

Don

I have to agree with the above.  If the model is important to you or valuable, it's best to transport it yourself. 

Another suggestion is to put the individual models in plastic bags, so that if small items break off they'll be easier to locate and you won't be scratching your head trying to figure out which piece goes with what model. 

I've had so-so luck with my PCS's.  Nothing I couldn't fix pretty easily, but plenty of little repairs once I got them out of the plastic containers and styrofoam peanuts.

Good Luck.

If possible, hand transport any valuable built up models. I've given up on safely transporting any 1/35 scale armor with my household goods.