Hi all, my name is Stefano, from Rome, Italy.
Sorry for my English.
Maybe that this is not the right forum, but I need help.
I am a model scratchbuilder and I would like to take part in the next Euromilitaire 2007 with my models.
These are built entirely in metal, brass, 1/16 scale, about 2 lbs, and I am afraid that they do not let them pass the controls in the airport.
They could be exchanged for disguised true weapons.
Do you have any advice?
For clearness here a photo, others in my album.
Thanks, Stefano.

Wow, that is a great model it would be ashame if it did not make it to the show.
Would you be able to drive there, I assume the show is in Europe?
I would double check the airports rules first though.
Well keep up the good work and welcome to the site.

Well, the first thing is to call the airline you are thinking of taking And asking them. Usually items in checked baggage are searched for explosives (by X-Ray, sniffer technology or bomb dogs), but they usually don't care if the item looks like a gun. They are looking for the chemical residues thqat indicate explosives. Lets face it even a real gun, if without ammo doesn't pose an issue for the aircraft. Once you get to the other side, yuo then have to prove to the Customs people that what you have is a model and not a real weapon. Being prepared to open the box, remove the model and explain that this is more like a toy and not like a real weapon is probably a good thing. Once you convince them that this is a model and not a real gun, then you'll ahve to make them understand that you are not selling it or intending to trade ot while in the UK (possibly more difficult than explaining it's not a weapon!).

Still, the first thing to do is contact the airline security office and get all your paperwork done up front. Make sure you talk with at least a supervisor as the people who usually staff the phones frequently can't properly answer odd questions like this.

Good luck and it's a smashing model!

That's beautiful Stefano! Euromilitaire deserves your presence!!!

Stefano, nice to see you here too!!!
Ciao
Fabio

Stefano your gun looks fantastic, I wish you well
may i know what gun it is exactly ?

For Jean-Bernard André.

This gun is exactly the Skoda howitzer 149/13 mod. 1917.
It was used by the Imperial Austro-Hungarian Army in the IWW.
Then, captured, many of these guns was used by the Italian Army, up to the IIWW too.
My model is full working in all parts, like the original one, elevating arc, training, brakes, ports and others details.
Bye, Stefano

Dear Fabio, how the world is little!!! (perdona l'inglese maccheronico).
Ciao, Stefano.

Hi Stefano,
after congratulating you for the excellent work, next question is where did you get the plans ?
I am working on a scratchbuilt FlaK 88 and have problems with plans.

Any other work you can show?

George.

P.S. One of my very few and simple cannons...

If the background was outside, I would say it was a real gun. Great work.

WOW, The pictures look fantasic mate. I'm with Paul Roberts. Just call them up and get there early. If you speak to the superviser and explain what is going on they should be fine with it. If you call first before you book your flights you can find out before you spend the $$