.... hot glue probably WILL NOT hold the zip bag. Needs some sort of positive mechanical clamp. Don't ask how I learned it.....

Rick,

That's one heck of a job packaging. Nice job. Like you said they'd have to run over it with truck to wreck it. I really think it would survive a drop from a plane though. 

Bernd

Rick,

I think you're missing the most obvious, safest, way to get that beautiful model to Kevin.

You travel overnight, with the precious cargo, to Washomgton, D,C, on the Crescent, then take the Capitol Limited to Chicago, then the Empire Builder to the Pacific Northwest, home of trees that cannot be modeled by puffballs.  While there, you'll gaze in awe at the magnificent scenery, marvel at the engineering feats necessary to traverse the Rockies and Cascades by rail, and then, the culmination of your trip, where you'll be met by a special train on the Washington Northern.  Wow!

This seems to me to be the slam-dunk decision.

I did add mechanical holders (dowel rods) to hold the transformer in place.

Rick

I love your idea! If only I hade the time & money that would be the way!

Rick

Bernd,

Thanks! Murphy says nothing is unbreakable - so I'll hold my breath (figuratively) until it arrives.

Rick

It's decent, so long as the box does not meet any fast stop forces...My preferred method is a minimum of an inch of peanuts all around the object, to give it some "breath" room in the event of a jarring stop or a crushing blow - it's more akin to a Faraday cage then, as opposed to a Insect cage.  I generally wrap the object itself first in a thin plastic bag, then wrap that in bubble wrap, and finish with the inch of peanuts.

Either way, I hope it comes through ok.  I'm mostly concerned about the wood dowels, should the box get crushed.  Should be fine, though!

We have all had that one package with a fragile piece arrive all cracked and broken but Grandpas Sams Place will be a definite safe and all together in one piece model upon arrival.

Dan

Did it arrive okay?

Here's a quote from the email that I got from Kevin last Monday:

"Grandpa Sam's just arrived here tonight and I just finished unpacking it! I am happy to report no borken pieces!!!! It must have had a slight jar or two to the rear of the structure as both the stairs off of the rear porch and the cellar doors were loose, but undamaged! Wonderful job packing and the instructions were VERY helpful! My wife and I are so impressed with the quality of workmanship and the way it looks. It reminds me very much of my grandfather's farmhouse. The extra details you added are going to be perfect sitting on the front porch! And even a 12 volt power supply! YOu are too much my friend!"

Kevin said he will be taking pictures of the structure on his layout and sharing them.

Rick