Hobbico

Lore & Background

Hobbico was formed in 1985 when Tower Hobbies, founded in 1971 by Bruce Holecek, was combined with Great Planes Model Distributors, founded in 1972 by Don Anderson. In November 2005, the company became a 100% employee-owned ESOP. The company expanded through acquisitions: in May 2007 it acquired Revell-Monogram, in January 2010 it acquired Estes Industries, in January 2012 it acquired the brands Axial, Durango, Arrma, and dBoots tires, and in 2012 it acquired Revell Germany and launched Hobbico Europe. Hobbico was the exclusive distributor for Futaba radio control products in North and South America, for O.S. Engines in North America, and for HPI Racing, Italeri, Novak Electronics, and Nine Eagles in North and South America. It also served as exclusive distributor for Thunder Tiger in North and South America from September 2010 until January 2015.

Reader's Guide

Hobbico's significance lies in its role as a consolidator and distributor in the hobby industry, bringing together iconic brands such as Revell, Monogram, Estes, Great Planes, Top Flite, and Axial under one corporate umbrella. Its employee-owned structure from 2005 was notable. The company's bankruptcy in 2018 led to the breakup of its assets: Horizon Hobby acquired most RC brands and IP (except Great Planes Manufacturing), Estes Industries acquired the Estes-Cox business unit, and a German venture capital group acquired Revell Germany whole and the Revell-Monogram brands, IP, and molds. This dissolution marked the end of a major era in hobby manufacturing and distribution.

Did You Know?

• Hobbico was formed in 1985 by combining Tower Hobbies and Great Planes Model Distributors.
• The company became 100% employee-owned through an ESOP in November 2005.
• Hobbico filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 10, 2018, and later for Chapter 7 on June 30, 2018.
• After bankruptcy, Horizon Hobby acquired most Hobbico RC brands and IP, while Estes Industries acquired the Estes-Cox business unit.