US cars

Here is another question, which could be important for European guys in Muncie.

I was surprised that I cannot rent a car, which we call “combi” (it is that long 5 door version - estate). I see only 4 door sedans or pickups or vans.

I see you have also different sizes, so my question is can I fit my box 63”x23”x15” to car for example full size like Dodge Intrepid together with 3 persons? In boot probably.

Full size costs for 3 weeks ~600USD while minivan is at ~1100USD and that IS a difference.

Your model box will fit in the trunk with the lid open of an Intrepid. The trunk is about 3.5 feet deep. Bring a couple of bundie cords or some rope to tie the trunk lid down. The model box will stick out the back. Over all this is a pretty roomy car.

We do have what is called a station wagon. They have a 5th door. They tend to be either smallish (Ford Focas) or high end (Volvo etc).

Igor,

>I see you have also different sizes, so my question is can I
>fit my box 63”x23”x15” to car for example full size like
>Dodge Intrepid together with 3 persons? In boot probably.

Not sure about putting that size box in it and 3 people in an Intrepid. I have one and most of them I seen have bucket seats in the front. And if you put it in the rear trunk you will not have much room for anything else.

Thanks
Paul

Just a guess, I drive a minivan and I know it will fit, but for a car the 63" may be a problem. It might fit even a mid size, in the floor board on one side of the back seat standing on end. It might also fit in the trunk caddy corner.

Maybe someone that can take a few mesurements will jump in.

Rent a minivan like the Ford Windstar or Dodge Caravan.

Igor,
Check with the rental company and see if any of the cars have roof racks on them.
Alan

If you get a roof rack and put your box up there, make sure you bring it in to your room each night. I had my box stolen off the roof rack at the '86 Lake Charles Nats

The other option is a small SUV like a Ford Explorer. You can fit the box on the top of the baggage compartment inside the rear door (I've done this with an Explorer). They are 5 doors.

Or perhaps a Crown Victoria Wagon (very much the combi you describe), if the rental company has one.

Station Wagons sort of went out of style with the comming of the SUV, but seem to be making a comeback with some style with the Chrysler Pacifica or Volvo Cross-Country.

Igor,
I travel a lot as part of my job, and have never seen a station wagon (or 5-door combi, as you call it) on a rental parking lot. It's just not a very popular car configuration in the US.
Now, you might be able to squeeze your box into a full-size car (most of them have a folding rear seat), but you definitely will NOT be able to put two more people and their luggage in the car. I assume all of you will have luggage if you come to stay for 3 weeks?...
Considering that the three of you will probably share the costs, get a minivan. Rental companies will probably try to talk you into an SUV - but those don't have nearly as much space (they only appear big on the outside).
And don't wait too long - according to my quick search 5 minutes ago, the Enterprise Rent-A-Car at the Indianapolis airport is already sold out of minivans for the desired dates...
If you run into problems trying to find a van, e-mail me (you have my email).

--Mike

Hi Igor. Apparently none of these guys actually own a Dodge Intrepid, I do. It has lots of trunk (boot) space and that's why I bought it. Also is has the back seat split and both sides will tilt down giving you room for a third person and snow skis from the trunk into the passenger compartment. And it will do 90 plus in a heart beat, ask me how I know and the Sheriff that gave me a ticket
I have hauled five models in mine, plus luggage and my flying kit. You can acutally place a Cardinal profile in the trunk.

Perhaps you could remove the model equipment from the box, wrap it in bubble wrap and put it in the car. It would be easier to fit all the stuff in the car that way because you wouldn't have that large box to store. I'll bet the car rental people would let you store your box at their facility.

If you sell your equipment at the world champs, you won't have to worry about box storage either!

Igor,

First comment, some people simply don't travel well. You may be one of those people.

Secondly, I do not understand why you are so worried about it. No matter what vehicle you reserve, by the time you pull in it won't be available anyway!

Third, a great number of the most entertaining stories concerning travel to foreign lands is the ability to lay out the challenges and then how your fertile mind overcame it all. So don't make this too easy.

Be sure you get a conformation on your type of car rented .
I confirmed a 4 door Dodge , was handed the keys to a 2 door Pontiac
and after a conversation, the nice people put me in a 4 door toyota
or nissan can,t remember which, at no extra charge.
However, you come this far, spent this much, get a Dodge minivan
and enjoy your self.
There is enough room for you and your model and four adults holding dirty Dan down in the back , while beating the pond scum out of him.
Seriously; they are easy to drive and just can,t be beat for model transportion
Hope you have a GREAT time!

I mentioned this elsewhere, but here's one alternative: U-Haul. Often times, the rental car companies will be out of cars, but U-haul will have something available. The rates are supposedly comparable to renting a car, and should be at least the same as renting a minivan. And there will be LOTS of space! You could perhaps even camp out in it.

Mike,

>>Rental companies will probably try to talk you into an SUV - but those don't have nearly as much space (they only appear big on the outside).<<

Well, I suppose it depends on the SUV. There's certainly a ton of room in my office manager's Chevy Tahoe Suburban. Yeow! YOu could play vollyball in there. But the room in my little Chevy S-10 Blazer will only hold 2 people, 2 planes (or 3 when I build the new rack) and all our stuff. But I agree, a minivan is the way to go.

>>There is enough room for you and your model and four adults holding dirty Dan down in the back , while beating the pond scum out of him.<<

Now, see, here is an idea I can get behind.

Before it was stolen, my friend Robert Compton would carry up to 3 airplanes, flight gear, ice chest, clothing and 2 people in his little white Acura hatchback.

I have been to both Dallas and Tucson in that vehicle with Robert.

Prior to that he had a little Honda Civic that was similarly packed. Now he's got a Mitsubshi 3000 GT, and I know he wouldn't buy any car without it fitting a stunt ship.

I wouldn't worry that much about it, Igor. Your average America mid-size (even most compacts) will have enough trunk room to fit an average stunt ship or two.

[photo not recovered: 3e69bb3870f12ad5.jpg]

"Ninety-nine per cent of the people in the world are fools and the rest of us are in great danger of contagion." -Thornton Wilder

Igor,

Have you considered unpacking the box and leaving the box in storage at the rental car agency I traveled a lot with a box but usually left it in storage somewhere nearby. After unpacking, I didn't need the actual box at contests. It solves the problem of fit. I actually rented a 3 door Ford Pinto (compact car) at one NATs and used it to carry a Sea Fury and equipment. (No wife-extra baggage at a contest)

Thanx all for info. I have the car already longer time ordered. I jus wanted to know if I must go twice or if it can hold the box and 3 persons together. The unpacking does not make sence, because the box contains two models, so I will not save any space. I will come Sunday afternoon, and I learned today after around one hour of speaking from Slovakia to stuf in cargo and custom in Indianapolis, that I will NOT get the box Sunday, so I must go from Muncie to Indianapolis again monday because our shipping company did not arranged broker for custom clearing and custom does not work on weekend, so I can not do it on arrival myself. That is a great service, I payd for that, but I will not get it anyway. I am curious what will happen monday again, it just cannot go easy, marphy laws wokr well