Popular Online Retailers:
- Horizon Hobby: (https://www.horizonhobby.com/) - This is one of the giants in the RC industry. They offer a vast selection of aircraft (including their popular E-flite and HobbyZone beginner-friendly models), radios (Spektrum), parts, and accessories. They are known for good support and a wide range of products.
- Tower Hobbies: (https://www.towerhobbies.com/) - Another long-established and reputable online retailer with a comprehensive inventory of RC airplanes, cars, boats, and model trains. They carry various brands and offer frequent sales and discounts.
- Motion RC: (https://www.motionrc.com/) - Popular for electric-powered aircraft, especially EDF (Electric Ducted Fan) jets, warbirds, and larger scale models. They are known for their detailed product descriptions and helpful videos.
- Flite Test Store: (https://store.flitetest.com/) - Originating from the popular YouTube channel, they offer unique DIY-style aircraft kits, power packs, and accessories, often focusing on accessible and fun flying.
- RMRC (Ready Made RC): (https://www.readymaderc.com/) - While also strong in FPV drones, RMRC carries a good selection of RC airplanes, particularly those favored by more experienced pilots, along with electronics and accessories.
- Amain Hobbies: (https://www.amainhobbies.com/) - Offers a wide variety of RC products across all categories, including airplanes, helicopters, cars, and boats. They are known for their competitive pricing and good customer service.
- Banana Hobby: (https://www.bananahobby.com/) - Carries a diverse range of RC airplanes, including EDF jets, scale models, and trainers, as well as batteries and accessories.
- Legend Hobby: (https://www.legendhobby.com/) - Specializes in larger scale RC airplanes, often with a focus on warbirds and historical aircraft.
Local Brick-and-Mortar Hobby Shops:
Finding a dedicated RC airplane specialty shop can sometimes be challenging, as many local hobby shops cater to a broader range of hobbies. However, here are a few options throughout New England (AMA District 1), that you might want to check out (it's always a good idea to call ahead to confirm their RC airplane stock):
Massachusetts:
- RC Excitement: 208 Bemis Rd, Fitchburg, MA 01420. Phone: (978) 342-3374. RC Excitement - This shop appears to be very RC-focused, with indoor and outdoor tracks and a wide selection of RC vehicles, parts, and accessories.
- Hobby Quarters: 369 Central St, Foxboro, MA 02035. Phone: 508-549-9959. Known for a great selection of RC cars, trucks, boats, helis, and planes.
- New England RC: New England RC - This is an online retailer based in New England, specializing in RC helicopters, parts, and service.
Rhode Island:
- Apponaug Color & Hobby Shop Inc. 1364 Greenwich Ave, Warwick, RI 02886. Phone: (401) 737-5506. While primarily known for trains, they also carry fixed-wing RC aircraft.
New Hampshire:
- ABC RC & Hobbies: 11 Rockingham Rd, Windham, NH 03087. Phone: (603) 458-6481. They carry a range of RC vehicles, including airplanes.
- HobbyTown Londonderry (Manchester Metro): 4 Orchard View Dr, Unit 5, Londonderry, NH 03053. Phone: +1 603-432-4881. HobbyTown Londonderry - Part of the HobbyTown chain, offering RC cars, trucks, airplanes, and more.
Maine:
- King's Mountain RC: Brewer, ME. Phone: 207-989-9602. King's Mountain RC - Carries RC cars, trucks, airplanes, and drones, with parts and repair services.
- RC Destination: Skowhegan, ME. RC Destination - Offers a wide selection of RC parts, accessories, and upgrades, with repair services.
- Ray & Robin's Hobby Center: 65 Gray Road Unit 11, Falmouth, ME 04105. Phone: (207) 797-5196. They are well-regarded, family-owned store that has been serving hobbyists for over 50 years. They carry a wide range of radio-controlled planes and related products. They are known for their knowledgeable staff and customer service.
Other Resources: AMA Hobby Shop Search - The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) also has a hobby shop search tool on their website (https://www.modelaircraft.org/hobby-shop-search). You can use this to find AMA-member hobby shops in your area.
Tips for Choosing a Retailer:
- For Your First Aircraft (RTF Trainer): Often, purchasing an RTF (Ready-to-Fly) trainer from a reputable online dealer like Horizon Hobby or Tower Hobbies is a convenient way to start, as they often have beginner packages.
- Local Shop Support: Local hobby shops can offer invaluable in-person advice, support, and potentially repairs. Building a relationship with a local shop can be very beneficial.
- Check Online Reviews: Before making a significant purchase from any online retailer, check their customer reviews for shipping speed, customer service, and product satisfaction.
- Consider Club Recommendations: Ask experienced members of your local AMA club for their preferred retailers, both online and local. They will have firsthand experience and can offer valuable insights.
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