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coombe junction - Coombe fly with me...

bcnPete

Entry posted by bcnPete

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Update - With apologies to Sinatra ;), I think I have now found a solution to be able to transport the layout to the UK for my target date circa summer 2012.

 

Originally, the idea was to transport it in one large box, but courier costs were ridiculously high (one of the factors for withdrawing the layout from the GJLC) I then began to search other options, namely custom made cases, although these were expensive items alone.

 

It then occurred to me that the boards could each have their own box and providing the weight was kept under 20Kgs then perhaps they could fly as luggage on a commercial airline. After looking at camera cases, then rifle cases, I then found This company who make flight cases to transport keyboards for musicians - The sizes vary, they are not too expensive and the helpful chap from the company even suggested if I send through the sizes, they may be able to custom make them for almost the same price as the standard keyboard cases.

 

The travel solution being thus:

 

  • Book flight for family of 4 (each entitled to 1 piece of checked in luggage)
  • 3 N°. Coombe Junction boards each have their own cases checked in
  • 1 N°. Suitcase containing family clothes for a weekend checked in

Therefore: 4 Passengers, 4 pieces of luggage and (providing one of the boards doesn't get sent to New York :rolleyes: ) the layout is shipped to the UK ready to fit on a (as yet unmade) premade supporting leg/lighting structure.

 

I have also calculated that my backscenes, of height 300mm from track level so as to align with Moorswater viaduct, will be detachable and can lay flat in the relevant boxes. Most probably, the viaduct and dries builings will also be removable too to keep the height of the three cases similiar. This means I can now start to make the backscenes confident in the fact they will fit within the cases.

 

So...all I have to do now...is crack on with the layout...and get it up too a standard that will hopefully be worthy of a 2012 exhibition invite...:unsure:

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54Strat

Nice solution for shipping. I airmailed via DHL my 2007 challenge layout to my son for his birthday, from UK to Australia. About £200 plus $50 AUD for customs, with a risk of a 24hr fumigation at 96 degrees :unsure: But then again, what a gift for a 10 year old. :D

 

It may be worth checking customs regulations, in and out of the country as wood can carry risks and if they so much spot a woodworm bore..... :blink: And I did buy an old keyboard flight case for the layout, but it weighed in at 15kg.I made a lightweight plywood case instead and it worked fine.

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SNCF stephen

I play guitar and use a case with a detachable base for my effects pedals. These cases are of sturdy construction and can vary in size greatly. The reason I mention these cases is that they have very low sides on the base which mean that a layout could be easily laid into the bottom of the case (which due to a hinge system can be detached from the lid). These cost less than the SwanFlight ones you are looking at and they would do a similar job.

 

The one I have has an outer case that is made of sturdy plastic with an interior of foam rubber and foam. The detachable base has a felt like material that allows pedals to be struck down with Velcro (which is usually suppled) which could be adaped for a train layout to be stuck down...

 

Saying that, the company you have found does look like it is very good quality.

 

EDIT: Here is a link to one on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Kinsman-Ultima-ABS-Pedal-board-case-guitar-effects-/230490363830?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&hash=item35aa4bd7b6

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  • RMweb Gold
bcnPete
  • RMweb Gold

Nice solution for shipping. I airmailed via DHL my 2007 challenge layout to my son for his birthday, from UK to Australia. About £200 plus $50 AUD for customs, with a risk of a 24hr fumigation at 96 degrees :unsure: But then again, what a gift for a 10 year old. :D

 

It may be worth checking customs regulations, in and out of the country as wood can carry risks and if they so much spot a woodworm bore..... :blink: And I did buy an old keyboard flight case for the layout, but it weighed in at 15kg.I made a lightweight plywood case instead and it worked fine.

 

Thanks - Good call about the woodworm...the boards are IKEA shelves...but you never know.

 

In terms of weight it may be a close call, but the flight cases themselves (depending on size) are around 12 and 14Kgs for the ones that suit my requirements. I did do a quick check by placing board II on our bathroom scales yesterday and it weighed in at 4.9Kgs so I will have to make sure the scenery + backscenes are kept to a minimum!

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  • RMweb Gold
bcnPete
  • RMweb Gold

 

Thank you - Another good option to consider. I was looking specifically at companies who made flight cases having previously seen how my luggage has been 'gently' loaded beneath me in the flight hold prior to take off :( I might give this company a call and ask if they are suitable for airlines or are more specifically protection for general travelling.

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richbrummitt

I had a solid guitar case punctured on a flight to South America. Something went right through the wood in a couple of places. This also happened to someone else I was travelling with. Luckily our guitars were okay. Oddly the third guitar that had been packed in an ordinary soft case wrapped in sweaters survived the trip far better.

 

I'm not saying don't do it, or that it's necessarily a bad idea considering the limited options available to you. There is a chance they'll get hurt - or as you said, end up somewhere else! Of course we could just have been really unlucky.

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  • RMweb Gold
bcnPete
  • RMweb Gold

Rich - Thanks - Short of driving it (my preferred option but not in terms of time) the options are somewhat limited as you note - It's a bit of a gamble but if packed with dense foam, hopefully will be ok.

 

My main worry is lost luggage...you could just imagine the layout set up with a 1 metre gap between Boards 1 + 3 and a limited service running courtesy of my chosen airline :huh:

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Steamingherd

Hi you might like to contact Alan Smith (http://www.abscases.co.uk/) who is an Assoc. member, he has a case making company and may be able to assist you with a competitive quote. Peter Whitehead p.s not the Alan Smith who is on the Yahoo egroup!

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  • RMweb Gold
bcnPete
  • RMweb Gold

Hi you might like to contact Alan Smith (http://www.abscases.co.uk/) who is an Assoc. member, he has a case making company and may be able to assist you with a competitive quote.

Hi Peter - Thanks for this - Nigel C already suggested this, so I sent an email 3 weeks ago...I am still awaiting a reply hence the recent direction taken with the other company - Pete

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