flight-ready footlocker?

[sloan]

It's time for to crank up my "build a case for the helicon" project. My current plan is to purchase a generic flight case in the form of an (approximate) 2'x2'x3' foot locker, lined with perhaps 1" of firm foam. Wheels and handle strictly optional, and only if they don't appreciably increase dimensions or weight (the two things airlines care about).

I'm now desperate enough to contemplate boxing up the helicon and shipping it to someone who could do a custom interior - but plan A is to acquire the box and then use blocks of foam to create the interior.

Question: any recommendations an a good source for the box? I tried Anvil last time around when I was insisting on custom interior, and they passed. I assume they are near the top of the list for a generic "box"?
Anybody else? A firm within driving distance (say, 500 miles?) of BHM preferred.

[sloan]

I doubt that a Sousa case is the right shape to hold the helicon. It's fixed bell. I suppose I can send you a sketch and you could check - but I've just about decided that a "brick" is what I need.

[ScottM]

I know some folks would think this heresy but what about making the bell detachable so a sousaphone case would work? It might make the airlines more accepting of it when you have to fly.
ScottM

[sloan]

I think Joe would cry if I were to cut that beautiful Buescher Eb helicon...

[sloan]

I think Joe would cry if I were to cut that beautiful Buescher Eb helicon...

There may be some really small female-male bell connector set somewhere (??) that's precisely the same size at that permanent first-branch-to-bell tenon. That wouldn't be a "cut". That would be a "heat".

Well, perhaps we have this year's project?