Transporting models when moving house (removal companies)

[Curare]

Hey guys, just wondering if anyone might be able to shed some light on how to get your models transported with a removals company and not end up with a pile of matchsticks?

I moved intertstate a year ago, and didn't trust the removalists much, so i gave them my quarter scale Cap 10B to transport, and a bunch of kits, and sure enough, the kits were upended and the CAP 10 got a broken empenage for it's troubles.

All my models (all take apart at that time) were wedged into my station wagon and I drove the 2,500 miles myself with a 2m sailplane wing in my ear the whole way.

Now it looks like we're going to be shipped out again, and this time taking all the models in the car is not going be to feasible (the cars are being shipped by train, and must be empty), and I have a 60" stunter and a Cobra on the bench, both of which aren't take apart.

Got any ideas on how I can get these to where I'm going in the hands of ham fisted meat heads?

[Paul Allen]

Greg
 Where are you headed?
Paul Allen

[Curare]

Truthfully, not sure right now, it'll either be Melbourne or Perth, depending on where we're needed.

[Perry Rose]

I would rent a vehicle capable of holding the planes.

[Jim Mynes]

I would rent a vehicle capable of holding the planes.

Or a trailer if your vehicle can tow it. With lots of soft padding.

[Robert Whitley]

Maybe see if small self pack shipping containers are available to you.
We have them here and the rental company just drops it off for you and when you have it packed to your satisfaction they pick it up and ship it to your destination.

[Fredvon4]

I was born in an Army hospital and before 40 moved 16 times all across the USA and Over seas....every one who have lived and moved a lot ONLY has horror stories

Look into very good INSURANCE and pay the premium

[Brett Buck]

Hey guys, just wondering if anyone might be able to shed some light on how to get your models transported with a removals company and not end up with a pile of matchsticks?

I moved intertstate a year ago, and didn't trust the removalists much, so i gave them my quarter scale Cap 10B to transport, and a bunch of kits, and sure enough, the kits were upended and the CAP 10 got a broken empenage for it's troubles.

All my models (all take apart at that time) were wedged into my station wagon and I drove the 2,500 miles myself with a 2m sailplane wing in my ear the whole way.

Now it looks like we're going to be shipped out again, and this time taking all the models in the car is not going be to feasible (the cars are being shipped by train, and must be empty), and I have a 60" stunter and a Cobra on the bench, both of which aren't take apart.

Got any ideas on how I can get these to where I'm going in the hands of ham fisted meat heads?

     I wouldn't risk it. I moved and they put the models in very large "picture" boxes, and they actually were OK, but I took the good one in the car with me. I would keep a car, put the models in it, and drive.

   Unless you make custom wooden boxes, I would not expect movers to safely move the models.

    Brett

[Tim Wescott]

Maybe see if small self pack shipping containers are available to you.
We have them here and the rental company just drops it off for you and when you have it packed to your satisfaction they pick it up and ship it to your destination.

Ooh, yes.  They're called "Pods" over here.

Pack the models like the pod will be dropped off the end of the truck onto concrete.  Watch "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" before you pack the pod.  Pay attention to what happens to the refrigerator -- use that as mental prep.

[Steve Helmick]

As a USAF kid, we moved quite a bit, but always around the USA. We used "wardrobe" boxes (intended to pack a closet full of hanging suits or dresses) and packed our models in there with lots of newspaper wrapped around each model and wads of newspaper stuffed into the voids between them. We then carried the box onto the truck ourselves and oversaw the placement and how other things were jammed around it. At offload, we oversaw that, also. We had VERY little damage to our models, after transfers over thousands of miles.  Steve