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Tower Hobbies History

Having Fun Since 1971

In 1971, founder Bruce Holecek started Tower Hobbies with little more than a passion for RC and $800 savings. Now, many years later, hobbyists around the world come to us every day for the best products from their favorite brands, at competitive prices and backed with expert support — enjoying outstanding service at every step, done the way only Tower Hobbies can.

Throughout our long and unique history, Tower Hobbies has strived to make your shopping experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. Though it might seem quaint now, we were the first in the industry to provide our customers with toll-free “800” phone order lines. We launched our award-winning TowerHobbies.com website in 1995, right on the cutting edge of online marketing.

Many radio control modelers get their start in the hobby with an RC car or RC truck. That’s a good idea. Getting the hang of a model that stays on the ground — most of the time! — is a little easier than controlling one that also challenges you to beat the law of gravity. While RC cars are easier to control than their flying counterparts, some are still high-performance machines that are loaded with powerful, sophisticated engineering. That brings up one of the most exciting things to do with RC cars — race them! Tower Hobbies has a very wide range of RC vehicles to choose from. At the small end of the scale are electric-powered RC micro/mini vehicles — some are less than eight inches long and can be raced almost anywhere! At the other extreme is the large scale remote control power house machines!

Traditionally, most pilots agree that RC helicopters are the single most challenging RC models to build and operate. They’re mechanically complex. They require you to master two distinctly different skills, forward flight and hovering. And to pilot them successfully, your FULL attention is required. However, flying RC helis is becoming easier than ever. Recently, manufacturers such as Blade have made some impressive advances to give more hobbyists a better shot at getting a heli in the air and keeping it there. Pilots new and old alike will find that Blade helis are ultra-durable and easier to fly than an airplane.

RC Boats

Whether you crave action or relaxation, you'll enjoy radio-controlled boating. There's nothing quite as soothing as gliding your scale R/C sailboat across a pond, or for full-throttle excitement, you can race an electric-powered deep vee or hydro! Many of Tower Hobbies' most popular model RC boats already come prebuilt. To start making waves, just add water!

RC Airplanes

For most people, the beauty of an airplane's design lies in its lines and curves. For the flier, however, the beauty of a design includes what that design can do. That feeling is as true for RC airplane pilots as it is for pilots of full-size aircraft. Their differences—aircraft size, and the fact that RC airplane pilots remain on the ground—have very little impact on the way given designs perform. As a result, RC hobbyists have been able to model and fly aircraft that look like the real thing, from RC jets to RC sailplanes. Whether you're a beginner or a more advanced RC airplane pilot, Tower Hobbies is your source for RC aircraft!

RC Radios, Batteries, ESCs and Chargers

The radio control (RC) system is the heart of our hobby. Radio Control (RC) is piloting your own Air Force, commanding your own fleet, or 4-wheeling in your own RC monster truck! It's being totally in control of a fully functional scale RC model that is just waiting for your next command! If you're interested in mechanical or electronic devices, you'll be fascinated with the advanced components and design of these RC radios. Decide which RC radio features meet your needs, whether you want a relaxing afternoon getting away from it all or a hot race, there is an RC land, sea, or air radio control model for you. The keys are to participate and have fun!