Shipping airplanes overseas

[steven yampolsky]

I just found out, Russian Federation of Model Aircraft is sponsoring a festival of CL stunt. Unlike most events there, this one will be open to foreigners. This sounds like a cool event to attend. Sorta like Brodak's, I think.

I don't have any take-apart models that I could bring with me on the plane. The only option I see is to ship one of my models in a large box. Where do I begin to look for the kind of box or shipping service that would be cost effective? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[peabody]

Or you could buy one of their nifty takeapart numbers......

[Lauri Malila]

I would not like to send a model beforehand in Russia. If you do, there is a big risk of things being damaged or lost. At least you better send it well in advance, it may take some time to clear the customs. But when travelling with a model box, I've never had any serious problems. Actually, once in Russia, travelling with models by flying can be easier than in the more civilized world. That's maybe because the people working at airports still know what aeromodelling is, and maybe because they don't care so much about safety regulations.
 The last time I flew from Moscow to a contest in Magnitogorsk I did as I normally do, checked my box in the checked luggage. I must say it was quite scary to look how the box was transported to plane (you can see my box somewhere in the picture )but in the end there was surprisingly little damage. On my way back I realized that I could have as well taken the model with me as hand-luggage, the whole russian team and some Ukrainians were there too, doing so.
 Can you share more details about the festival? I just heart that the Russian Champs are in Moscow this year, in Khimki. I may go there. L
 

[Tim Wescott]

The Russians do have a pragmatic approach to everything.

[Avaiojet]

You would probably be better off to just have some communication with a few other modelers who will be participating in the event.

Find someone that has one for sale? Buy it whan you get there. Cut it up to take it home or leave it there. Sell it again.

OR. There was this guy I did some graphics for some years ago. 7 or 8 would be a reasonable guess? He cleaned Operating Rooms for a living. No, not as simple a job as one would think, complicated actually.

Anyway, he had this composit CL model that he purchased from someone who makes them up. Comes with a suitcase and all, so as he said.
Not inexpensive.

Now, I just made the guy graphics, but the story is real. Where he got it I do not know? I did mention this once before, way back, for some reason?

Charles

[Steve Helmick]

It might be cheaper to buy one there, than to transport yours both ways. I heard today that used stunters are in demand in Mongolia, and you only need to ship them to Seattle (Greydog works well). Weird, but true!    Steve