All Florida Live Steamers - Help Requested.

N

newboydave

G scale trains - no surprise there then!</br></br>
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I am currently on vacation in Florida, and have purchased an Aristo Live Steam Mikado, from a friend, which I plan to bring back to the UK.

In order that it will not suffer during the flight because of the sub-zero temperatures in the aircraft hold,(assuming the Airport Transit Authority allow me to take it aboard) I want to put it on a rolling road, and run it on compressed air, to evacuate all he water/oil which may be in the steam pipes etc. (I have already emptied the gas tank, lubricator as much as I can).

Could anyone in Florida assist by allowing me to visit, and use their equipment?

Any assistance would be gratefully appreciated.
 
Congratulations on the new purchase. :)

However you may find that getting it home can be a problem . TSA authority varies by airport and is not consistent. The recommendation of the live steam community here in the United States is not to attempt to fly with a steam locomotive no matter how clean it is. The organizer for the steam up in Diamond Head , Mississippi has tried to get TSA to provide a clear consise procedure to allow models to fly on aircraft with no results. If you go to the airport with it , have a backup plan arranged with your friend to ship it if they won't allow it on the aircraft.

Charles M
 
And part of the problem is even if one (edit: TSA) guy says it is OK, the next one might not.
 
Your making an incorrect assumption that the aircraft cargo holds have a subzero temperature while not controlled for human comfort the temperatures will be well above freezing. Just think of all those bottles of wine that would be damaged if it was below zero. I have never heard of any warnings from the airlines about this issue, this would also be a year round condition if it existed. There would be restrictions on air cargo also if there was a problem.
Just got back from a trip to Turkey, Istanbul, Rome, then Los Angeles, I saw the outside temperature was -65C at one point in the flight.

Steve
 
Commercial aircraft holds are usually not heated unless they are carrying live animals ie your dog in which case there is a spot on the checklist for the dog heater some have the front cargo hold heated so ask at the airport if you can get it put on board in the front hold.

[font="arial,"]On the DC-9 they call it the "puppy-snuffer switch".[/font]
 
I am writing this as an airline pilot and so hopefully should know!! Most but not all aircraft holds are heated to keep them above freezing at all times. I would suggest you contact your airline first and ask them. You will have to prove that all the gas has been removed as it is a dangerous substance. I am guessing that original packaging may help your case. Any questions pm me and I will try to help you.
 
Hi.

From one pilot to another ( No, well only an amateur, I learnt to fly for a PPL in Florida, and have about 100hrs logged, but due to the expense, I gave it up in favour of Railway Models - not sure with hindesight that the latter is less expensive.

You mention I would have to prove that the gas tank is empty, how would I prove that, apart from showing the TSA guys, the gauge on the tender (which they probably wouldn't understand or accept I guess).

The loco is in the original aluminum case.

I am currently waiting a reply from the TSA about this, but have also thought about sending the tender only by USPS or courier, and taking the 'Mike' itself, in my carryon, but I think it may weigh more than 3o kilo.

Any thoughts?
 
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