I've just started painting figures and I realized a few days ago that if I construct a few figures in advance, I can easily bring figs with me to paint while I'm on the road. I travel quite a bit for work, so finding modeling time is always tough.

* Has anyone had any luck taking paints on a plane as checked baggage?
* What's a good (non-ammunition storage looking) travel case/tackle box/tool box?
* Any tips and techniques for this process?

Here's what I've collected up thus far for my kit:

* Brushes
* Paints (vallejo bottles) - reduced to the smallest number needed
* The reading/magnifying glasses I use
* Paper napkins
* A eyedropper bottle of distilled water
* Small, rectangular paint palette trays (x3)
* A flexible photography tripod (Joby brand) + a Kick photography light (http://riftlabs.com/kick-overview-betterpics)
* Figure(s) + figure holder (made from a dowel cut in half with a screw through the middle to hold it together)
* A couple small mixing cups
* Considering getting some sort of roll up mat I can put down on the hotel desk. I'm thinking about one of those silicone baking mats - seems like it'd be easy to clean, easy to roll, and lay flat even after it's been rolled.

What did I miss? Anyone try this kind of thing before?

I used an ammo box style Plano box and it works nicely. But I don't want to attempt to bring that on the plane!

For just a few items, a smaller tackle box/sewing thread box would probably work. Even a small school lunch box or bento size tray. An option for the cutting mat may be a baker's type rolling/cutting mat. Clear plastic, a bit sturdier than the silicone. I did this once while driving.

As checked luggage, it shouldn't be a problem with the items you have listed. I expect they would have more issues with a hobby knife and a file, but again, as checked it should not be a problem.

I was wondering more about carry-on. Curious to hear if others have had TSA notice... Especially in the pre-check line. They often miss stuff like this.

No way will it go as carry on. TSA will go nuts over the paint and probably make you leave them there. I asked a friend who worked TSA and that's what he told me.

Jesse

Nice! I travel a lot, too, and I bring a model on the road with me all the time. I suggest packing any liquids in Ziploc bags. I've had stuff come open on me and the bags saved the other stuff in my suitcase (clothes!)

Lighting is hit or miss in hotel rooms, but it looks like you got that covered. I bring a small LED light I got from Harbor Freight, but I think I'm going to borrow your idea.

Chris