The classic gift Idea...

Not that I have any plans to send any models anywhere, but I'll know what to do if I ever have to.
And I wish your Dad a safe return.

I learned a great deal from this thread. Thanks guys.

I ship a lot of models all over. The box inside the box is great. What I do to keep the small parts from getting broken is I make the inner box out of styrofoam like Franklin Mint does. I have cut outs inside the box for small parts that protrude from the side of the model. Then I wrap them in bubble wrap and suspend the model in Peanuts in the second box. I recomend overnight shipping by USPS and not UPS. I have had very good luck with the postal service and no luck with UPS, Every model that was shipped by UPS was Damaged and They will not Pay on the Insurance if they did not pack it for you and there is no physical damage to the outside box.

Airbrush:
use the 'box in a box" technique !
pack the model like so: wrapped in tissue paper, then bubble wrap so it is unable to move around inside the first box. find a larger box, put down a bed of foam peanuts underneath, then put first box inside second... then fill with more foam peanuts. seal well, and insure. keep fingers crossed...
good luck !
frosty

i think Eric wins on the best way to get it there safe and in one peice

QUOTE: For added protection you may even put the first box inside a slightly larger box and cushion that with styrofoam peanuts, too. Then the first layer of peanuts would absorb some of the shipping shocks before they even get to the second box.

Exactly!

I run the Shipping Department, where I work, the above is probably the way to go. Before putting it in the inner box, Wrap it loosely in bubble wrap (don't tape or band the wrap) Place in the box and use packing peanuts.

I would also send it the quickest way feasable for you. I would go with Priority Overnight, to prevent it from riding inside a truck for days (sending across country, via ground, can take from 5-7 days. It depends on the end point)

For added protection you may even put the first box inside a slightly larger box and cushion that with styrofoam peanuts, too. Then the first layer of peanuts would absorb some of the shipping shocks before they even get to the second box.

You could drive to him. LOL Sorry. The guys already seem to have it covered, I don't see any fool proof way to do it.

"It is well that war is so terrible, lest we grow too fond of it."-R.E.Lee

Marks idea is a good one
you could leave the small breakable bits off for him the attatch when it gets there

I would wrap it carefully in bubble wrap, then pack it in a box with styro-foam peanuts. Write fragile on the box and put insurance on it. You may want to have a note inside with some instructions to repair any damage. I hope this helps.
mark956