Flying with ship model

Despite rants which have been posted on various websites about TSA personnel, I have found in my travels that they are generally pleasant to deal with.   Of course, it you walk up to them with a chip on your shoulder you get back what you give.  

I had the same expeiriece when I was flying with the model I had built to present to my brother-in-law when he retired from the US Navy Submarine Service.  The TSA folks gave me some very odd looks when the 1/350 Ohio class model went through the scanner.  Especially since it had a battery and wires in the base for the built in lights.

Again though, they had no issue with it and actually thought it was pretty neat.  I agree that the TSA do not have the most sterling reputation, but for the most part they are as nice to you as you are to them.

You're a brave man flying with a model like that.  Glad everything worked out OK.

I've had terrible luck shipping or moving models over the years.  The last time I moved (from NC to FL) I made a trip in one of our cars with several of my favorite models loaded in the back seat, including a 1/32 F-14 Tomcat. 

Mark

RedCorvette

You're a brave man flying with a model like that.  Glad everything worked out OK.

I've had terrible luck shipping or moving models over the years.  The last time I moved (from NC to FL) I made a trip in one of our cars with several of my favorite models loaded in the back seat, including a 1/32 F-14 Tomcat. 

Mark

I too have had very bad luck shipping models. I have given up- no more mailing/shipping of models, especially ships. Hand carry from now  on.  I have a ship right now I want to get rid of, the Heller Reale de France galley, and will have to restrict it to local sale- I am not about to drive half way across country to deliver it.

I am glad you made it through, but given the inconsistency and lack of common sense and good judgement from the TSA I would not say your experience is a good baseline for other model builders.

You are lucky they didn't want to open up the kit to make sure it wasn't packed with "explosives."

When I need to ship a model, I send it ahead of me UPS and just count on needing to fix some things on the other side.

Believe it or not I ship U.S.P.S. ! YEP , that,s right.The good old post office .I have never had a problem as far as the thing arriving okay. When i pack though, i make sure everything moveable is removed and the model is held immoblle by plenty of CHRISTMAS TREE white surround (the soft stuff).It doesn,t get all in the model but freezes it in place and allows me to overstuff the box , thereby rendering the contents tightly held and safe from harm. Try it you,ll like it       TANKERbuilder