Traveling with Transformers

Discussion in 'DIY' started by batriq, Jul 9, 2016.

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  1. batriq

    batriq Probably has made you smarter

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    I bought 2 output transformers and 1 power transformer from Japan, and now I'm wondering how to bring them back to the US! The total weight of all 3 is about 13Kg (29 pounds).

    Should I check them in, or carry them on?

    If carrying them on, should I make sure I have a brochure and receipts?

    If checking them in, should I put them in their own small carry-on-size bag (with padding), or in a larger suite case with padding and clothes (assuming the weight allows it)?

    Thanks!
     
  2. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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    I used to love transformers when I was a kid.
     
  3. batriq

    batriq Probably has made you smarter

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  4. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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    Wow... It actually says "Toy Transformer Robots." I have no idea what is going on right now. But its glorious.

    I know someone will come along with a serious answer, but this detour was better than I could have expected.
     
  5. HitmanFluffy

    HitmanFluffy Hoping to see real genitals someday!

    Anti-SBAF PSYOPS Banned
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    Oh sick, which brand transformers did you pick up? Tamura?
     
  6. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Takara Tomy
     
  7. frenchbat

    frenchbat Almost "Made"

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    Takara tomy is for kids. Try Chogokin.
     
  8. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Those aren't Transformers and may not work for his amp.

    Volts V
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Mazinger Z
    [​IMG]
     
  9. Griffon

    Griffon 2nd biggest asshole on SBAF

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    Merv you dumbass, Mazinger Z cannot into transform and you posted Great Mazinger. Booooo!
     
  10. batriq

    batriq Probably has made you smarter

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    Last edited: Jul 9, 2016
  11. batriq

    batriq Probably has made you smarter

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    Those robots are pretty awesome ... on the way to a components (mostly capacitors) shop:
    Imagine rows and rows of these.

    IMG_20160701_171636.jpg
     
  12. batriq

    batriq Probably has made you smarter

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    Soooo .... any advice on carry-on, or check-in?
     
  13. peef

    peef Friend

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    Hah! I've done exactly this. My transformers were gapped, and I was worried that rattling them in checked baggage might wreck the air gap, so I carried them through several connections. I've also had items removed from my checked bag by security without my knowledge, so didn't want to take the risk.

    Security in Japan had no problem with me carrying them on, didn't check the receipt.
    Security in Korea high fived me! The agent had a 6V6 amp at home.
    Security in USA (SFO, if I recall) was super rude but just swabbed them and let me through.

    You should be OK! They will likely want to take at least one out of its package.
     
  14. GoodEnoughGear

    GoodEnoughGear Evil Dr. Shultz‎

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    Weight may be your issue...look at the carry-on limits. That may be even more restrictive for any domestic flights - here in SA they limit you to 7kg. Maybe you can buy additional weight.
     
  15. batriq

    batriq Probably has made you smarter

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    Awesome! Thank you! I will carry them then. I also bought this strap to wrap around the bag just in case they make me check it in:
    https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B01C89SIXG/
     
  16. batriq

    batriq Probably has made you smarter

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    I transported the transformers in my carry-on. I ended up buying a Muji suite case for them. This was called "travel porn" in one review, so it must be good (and it is). Attached is a pic of them. They're wrapped in diaper poop liner (unused), and then bubble wrap. At Narita airport, the first agent didn't know at all what to do with them. She asked me twice if they are batteries. I had the brochure on me and told her what's in the boxes. She was very concerned about the high voltages listed next to the power transformer. She called another agent, who also didn't know what to do but he wanted to run them through the X-ray on their own. Before he did that, he called his supervisor who gave me thumbs-up when I told him what they are. They put the transformers on their own through the X-ray, then the suite case and they let me go. The supervisor kindly explained to me that they have to do this because the transformers are metal and the X-ray doesn't go through them.
     

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  17. GoodEnoughGear

    GoodEnoughGear Evil Dr. Shultz‎

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