A note about my experience with shipping models.- It is always a concern when shipping a delicate and valuable piece of art such as a model. I have had excellent success over the past seven years. I build my own shipping crates and do my own packing when the model design needs the protection of a wooden crate. Most pond boats have removable masts and can usually be packed in a shipping carton protected by packing materials. All shipments are fully insured and meet the packing requirements of the shippers.
I have shipped as far away as Tokyo and Hong Kong with great success. It is also not as expensive as you might think.
I just finished shipping a wonderful collection of ten models to a great customer in Tokyo and he was extremely pleased that they arrived with no damage what-so-ever.
If the "fear of shipping" is keeping you from purchasing a model, please call me and lets see if I can explain my methods on an individual basis.