Carrying electronics and trains through airport security

[mmagliaro]

This topic has come up a number of times over the years.  "Can I bring my model trains through airport security without trouble? "

I will be flying up to Vancouver, BC in May for the Railway Modelers of British Columbia annual meet.  I am bringing my 0-6-0 and a home-made controller to power it for demonstration purposes.  I re-built the same throttle I use under my layout.
(I even had the PC board etched so I could do a nice neat job!)

I don't think I will have any trouble with a model train engine, especially since I'll have papers about the train show with me, along with some magazine articles I've done just to show anybody who asks that I'm "just a model train guy".

But take a look at this throttle and tell me if you think TSA will freak out over this.

ANYBODY HERE HAPPEN TO WORK FOR the TSA?  That would be ideal to hear from them.

Thank you!

[djconway]

I don't know TSA, but a kid made a digital clock for a teacher, brought it to school, and was arrested for transporting a bomb.  People are extremely reactive to anything with wires that they don't understand.  Good luck.

[Angus Shops]

I can see the problem. Apparently you can ask the TSA at @AskTSA or Facebook. You could probably forward those same photos and get some option and advice from the source. They have a pretty entertaining web presence. I hope you can find away through; I'm looking forward to the same event in Vancouver.
Geoff

[peteski]

Yeah, if I was some average TSA agent, this device would most certainly raise a flag. Even if they didn't arrest you, there is a good chance they will confiscate it.  These are sad times we live in. 

Can't you mail/ship it ahead of you and pick it up when you arrive (have someone there pick it up for you)?

I don't think you will have much trouble with the engine. You might want to carry it separately and let the TSA agents know that it is a very delicate model and ask to let you show it to them.  That's what I would do. That might cause a slight backup in the security screening line, but IMO, it is worth it.

[pdx1955]

Well, it kinda comes down on how it will look like going through a scanner...My wife got bomb-sniffing dogs for taking hot curlers in her bag and I've heard not so good personal accounts of taking locomotives thru security - especially as the new ones look like big hunks of metal with circuit boards and wires. I've heard both sides - "just a train guy" or you can get questioned to the nines, it depends on your TSA agent draw. The locomotive is probably ok but you may have to open the box for inspection, but I'd be extremely leery about the controller, not sure I'd risk it. Mailing is best - If you don't want to mail I suggest taking ground transport there. Since you live in the Portland area - Amtrak could be your friend or just drive.

[Point353]

Would signing up for TSA Precheck be of any advantage?
https://www.tsa.gov/precheck

[Cajonpassfan]

Max, perhaps mailing the thing to a friend in BC would solve the problem?
Or does Canadian post go through every package?
Sad times indeed...
Otto

[RBrodzinsky]

Your bags still go through the scanner, even for PreCheck.

I agree with the suggestion to ship it. But nothing wrong with asking them ahead of time.

[BCR 570]

Max:

It would go through the X-ray scanners and might warrant a visual inspection, but I think you would be able to travel with it.

If you are concerned about flying with it, I could introduce you to my friend Dave Mackinnon who is driving up from Portland to the meet.  I am sure that if you could get it to him, he would be willing to bring it up and take it back for you.

Tim

[mmagliaro]

I like the idea of getting a TSA Pre.  I've meant to do it for ages anyway.  Even though they still have to screen my bag and will probably want an explanation, something tells me that being on that list will make them more likely to believe me and not panic just because they see electronics.

I can only get to @AskTSA via Twitter or Facebook.  No Facebook - never.
But I set up a Twitter account so I could send them an inquiry and a photo.  I'll see if they actually answer.

Thanks for the advice, folks.  My inclination is to take it with me.  Yes, they will want an explanation, but I will allow plenty of extra time in case they want to "talk to me in some little room".  I can also demonstrate that it runs the engine if I really have to.

[MetroRedLine]

I would just put it in my check-in luggage. Even if they inspect it, there's no power source for it, so it's an inactive object. Dogs will sniff it and it will turn up empty.

You can bring your trains in carry-on, though.

[C855B]

...But take a look at this throttle and tell me if you think TSA will freak out over this. ...

TSA will freak out over it, you will likely be detained and miss your flight. There is a lot of ignorance (and intolerance) of custom or unusual electronics. I was hassled over a Bearcat radio scanner in my luggage... in 1980.

Homemade electronics of any kind are going to trigger all sorts of red flags, "normal" people don't do that. That throttle looks like every single "countdown" bomb you see on TV and in movies. That's the basic knowledge set you are working with. I can guarantee you will never see it again and that's provided you are allowed to travel at all. Can you say "no fly list"?

Ship the throttle. Your 0-6-0 will get scrutiny, but should be OK.

[up1950s]

https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2016/07/07/have-question-now-you-can-ask-tsa-facebook

[Philip H]

I've carried engines are cars no problem - and usually with no questions.  I carried a drone home as a christmas present unwrapped in its original box - and had no questions. I agree on the electronics - ship them.  TSA won't let them through.  They just won't.  And no amount of calm explanation on your part will coax them.

[svedblen]

Is that a sneak view of your painted  SP&S 0-6-0 we see in the background?