While in Sapporo I saw this Revell Type VII U-boat being sold for Yen 12,000 ( USD75). As much as I wanted to get it I decided to let it go.
Why? First I already have exact same one in my stash. Second, It would have been a logistical nightmare to transport back home.Few years ago I managed to get a Revell Type IX home from Munich. Lucky for me the hull was split at the stern enabling me to fit it in my suitcase.
In the case of the Type VII the hull is one piece. At 3 feet long it's too big to fit in the overhead compartment. Only way to get it on the plane was as check in luggage. This would be a financial and structural gamble. The box can get flagged as oversized baggage which can entail penalty which can cost more than the retail price of the kit.
Checked baggage undergoes severe impact from automated airport conveyor belts and heavy luggage stacked on top of it. A standard cardboard retail model box has zero structural integrity; checking it unprotected will almost certainly result in snapped hull pieces, crushed plastic sprues.
Why? First I already have exact same one in my stash. Second, It would have been a logistical nightmare to transport back home.Few years ago I managed to get a Revell Type IX home from Munich. Lucky for me the hull was split at the stern enabling me to fit it in my suitcase.
In the case of the Type VII the hull is one piece. At 3 feet long it's too big to fit in the overhead compartment. Only way to get it on the plane was as check in luggage. This would be a financial and structural gamble. The box can get flagged as oversized baggage which can entail penalty which can cost more than the retail price of the kit.
Checked baggage undergoes severe impact from automated airport conveyor belts and heavy luggage stacked on top of it. A standard cardboard retail model box has zero structural integrity; checking it unprotected will almost certainly result in snapped hull pieces, crushed plastic sprues.