Carrying G scale locos by plane??

gregh

gregh

electronics, computers and scratchbuilding
Country flag
I'll be travelling from Aus to UK and USA soon and would like to bring a small loco with me. It's radio control, using a small keyfob transmitter.
From reading the US regulations (I assume they are the most strict), I've decided on the following:
I'm planning on putting the loco in my 'checked' suitcase, with batteries removed. I'll leave the keyfob transmitter opened up with the battery removed, all in a plastic bag next to the loco. I'll also leave the 8, NiMH, AA cells in separate plastic bags next to the loco. (No lithium!)

Has anybody had any RECENT experience transporting locos? and NiMH batterries in luggage?

I've carried 'proprietry' locos and motor blocks back from the US on a number of ocassions with only a nice note form US customs saying they had opened my bag.
 
Not G-scale, but I had problems at BWI airport (Baltimore) in May this year when I had 2 N scale locos in my hand baggage to board the flight back to the UK.
According to the woman who was supervising the baggage scanner, they give off the "signature" of a handgun on the equipment - don't ask me how - so that got them a bit agitated, to say the least!

It may just be a Baltimore thing, as something similar happened there 10 years ago, but they didn't come up with the "gun" explination then. Never had any other incidents with locos at other US airports though.
 
;D First trip out of the States, I carried a Spectrum Climax, in original packaging, in checked baggage. When I got home, I got a bit suspicious.... the zip on the bag was not in the 'appointed position'. On opening the bag, the loco was packed 'portrait', rather than the 'landscape' position I had packed it (fortunately, no damage resulted from the repack). It was only when all the clothing (good packing material, that) was removed that I found the note from Inland Security.

Trip 2, G scale Cable Car, similar drama, but bag correctly repacked.

Trip 3, I was given a UP switchers hand lantern (battery operated). Being somewhat cautious, I just ditched the standard jumbo battery.... cheap insurance against having the whole lantern 'disposed of'.

I think those guys get excited when they see wires dangling about. My advice, ditch all the batteries, and get new ones when you get there.

Workmate of mine (models O gauge 3 rail, but I'm working that problem) had his carry on scanned, as they do. Customs/Security fellow smiled, 'Ah, you collect O gauge too!'. I once got tenth degree for having an LGB turnout in my carry on.... think about it, the shape was mistaken for a gun. Duty guys that day weren't model railroaders. :o
 
Don´t even get me started on the experience of my fellow-live steamers with gas tanks ..... ;D :D :o :-\
 
I brought a USAT GP30 inside a suitcase (2006) and USAT observation coach strapped to the outside of a suitcase (2011) from the USA to the UK. Both times the item had been unpacked by security (not exactly as I had left them) but had been repacked and travelled ok. There was no notice to say they had been checked.
 
When I fly internally I had my Dubs A in my hand luggage (controller and battery wagon in check bag) I carried a copy of Garden Rail which had an article I wrote about building the Dubs A. Certainly got looked at and compared but I think it was in that case wanting a closer look for model interest rather than security. International though if I was trying the same thing I'd wondered if it would be possible to get some sort of advance clearance from Customs...unlikely though.
 
JRinTawa said:
get some sort of advance clearance from Customs...unlikely though.
Click to expand...
If you can't dazzle them with model building blind them with paperwork. :D
 
How about if you want to take a plane on a train? ??? ???
 
Just make sure it is packed in a strong rigid box. I flew a live steam loco from Adelaide to Melbourne in a suitcase and wrapped in towels. It got crushed and now has a slightly leaning cab.

Regards
Peter Lucas
MyLocoSound
 
KandNWLR said:
Don´t even get me started on the experience of my fellow-live steamers with gas tanks ..... ;D :D :o :-\
Click to expand...

If the US TSA security folks even get a wiff of alcohol from the loco, you can probably kiss it goodbye. Many of the railroaders that have to travel on an airplane to a steamup in the US will ship their loco to someone at their destination rather than possibly losing it at the airport. I wouldn't take a chance on losing one.

Did you lose yours, KandWNLR, or did you spend a lot of time trying to talk with them?
 
The US regulations can be found at
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items

They say, "You may travel with dry batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D) in your carry-on or checked baggage. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits loose lithium batteries from being transported in checked baggage. "

I usually travel with extra AA batteries when I fly and I always have them in special clear, plastic battery containers. These are usually only a $ (£) or so each. If I purchase a number of batteries, I usually get the battery container free. If you can't find the containers, tape the batteries together with all of the plus (+) terminals pointed in the same direction and put them in a press-to-seal plastic bag (Ziplock type). I usually have them in my carry on.

I also carry extra Lithium ion batteries for my Nikon camera in my carry on bag, but they always have a plastic cover over the terminals and are in a plastic bag by themselves.
 
Railfan said:
I also carry extra Lithium ion batteries for my Nikon camera in my carry on bag, but they always have a plastic cover over the terminals and are in a plastic bag by themselves.
Click to expand...
The batteries for my Nikon have concealed contacts. But I did not realise Nikon Batteries are chipped, I bought some non genuine ones with a multi system charger 110v,240V, 12V and solar and it will recharge the genuine battery, the genuine charger will not charge the non genuine batteries, when I plug in a non genuine battery into the camera it warns me that Im using a non genuine battery and that it may not last as long as the geuine ones.... :'( I have 2 camera bags, one just has the camera and spare battery and a few filters in it, the other carries extra lenses and accessories like the ring flash and the multi way charger....
 
LGB 26812 (BR 99 222) from Stuttgart to Moscow - no problem at all. In hand laggage.

But there no bataries.
 
I took a 1:24 RC car to Spain and back earlier this year with no problems. I had the Nickel Cadmium rechargeable batteries in a separate poly bag and all items were in my hand baggage. I did take the precaution of telling the security people what I had before it was scanned and that quite possibly saved any hassle I might have had. I just had to endure a slightly patronising expression or two, but I am used to that these days.
 
Not recent experience, but not long after 9/11, I brought a 2nd hand Bachmann 2-4-2 loco back from Texas to the UK.

A US Security Officer saw it in my (large) suitcase, said 'That'll make a nice present for some young man!', and cleared it onwards....
 
Cunning plan Greg buy a new loco in each location to test then post them home ;)
 
Gizzy said:
'That'll make a nice present for some young man!', and cleared it onwards....
Click to expand...

You can't fool us Gizz, we know you're over 40 50 60!
 
Rhinochugger said:
You can't fool us Gizz, we know you're over 40 50 60!
Click to expand...

Didn't fool the Security either....
 
Steve said:
Cunning plan Greg buy a new loco in each location to test then post them home ;)
Click to expand...

:D Uncunning plan, don't buy on the run (overseas)... you end up paying all the local taxes. Mail Order saves these costs. Did manage once though, to do a 'mail order' in the shop I was visiting... the vendor filled out the order form, deducted the taxes, took my money, and I carried my purchase away in my baggage. 8)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom