L.A. Model Hobby Show
With at least 220 exhibitors at this year's show, an exciting array of new model hobby products was unveiled, including very impressive new kits, radios, and engines for the RC aeromodeler.
Sponsors and Organization
The Second Annual Los Angeles Model Hobby Show was jointly sponsored by the Radio Control Hobby Trade Association (RCHTA — generally pronounced "rick‑ta") and the Model Railroad Industry Association (MRIA). The event was produced by Professional Exposition Management Company, which specializes in organizing and managing special‑interest trade exhibitions.
RCHTA is a chartered nonprofit corporation that brings together manufacturers, distributors, representatives, and publishers to promote the growth of RC products and increase public awareness of the RC hobby and industry. Its 15‑member board of directors includes many familiar names from the hobby. RCHTA organizes three model shows annually: the L.A. show (which opens the season), the Philadelphia show in early May, and the Chicago show in November.
Venue and Exhibits
The show was held at the Los Angeles County Fairplex in Pomona, CA, about 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. A second building was added to comfortably house the event. Exhibits included a boat pond, dirt flat RC car tracks, an extensive model train layout, and a large local modelers' display area. An on‑site retail area allowed customers to order items seen among the exhibitors.
Officially, 220 exhibitors attended; unofficial counts were slightly higher. About 40% of exhibitors showed items of interest to model airplane hobbyists. Both trade (retailer) and consumer days drew healthy crowds—enough to keep things lively without overwhelming lines.
Seminars and Activities
A number of seminars added interest for both industry members and individual modelers. Several no‑charge, no‑reservation discussions covered topics such as cars, trains, and adhesives. Herschel Worthy of Pacer Technology gave a well‑received talk on adhesives—an important topic for RC airplane builders seeking maximum performance.
Also popular were the "Let's Play" free prize drawings, in which show patrons could register to win a complete RC car, boat, plane, or train outfit. One of each was given away.
Trends and New Directions
The L.A. show confirmed a trend first noticed at earlier California exhibitions: companies that formerly catered to other hobby segments are moving into the RC model airplane field. RC car manufacturers, plastic model companies, and even boat makers are branching into flying models.
- Parma International (a major RC car and aftermarket supplier) displayed two ARF electric airplanes and related accessories.
- Minicraft Models (known for accurate plastic display models) now offers flying kits, including balsa‑and‑tissue gliders, rubber‑powered designs, and preassembled electrics.
- Victor Model Products (known for RC sailboats) showed two electric airplane kits: a 31‑in.‑span Pietenpol and a 51‑in.‑span semiscale Spirit of St. Louis called Lindy's Electric.
Manufacturers seem to be responding to customer interest in flying models—flying remains the most dynamic area of the hobby.
Notable New Kits and Engines
- Carl Goldberg announced the upcoming Ultimate Biplane, a 51‑in. span aerobatic biplane designed for .60 two‑stroke or 1.20 four‑stroke power. The kit incorporates fast‑building techniques and a foolproof top‑wing alignment system. Estimated weight with a .60 two‑stroke is 7½ to 8½ lb and wing area is 980 sq. in.
- West Coast Engines (17485 Catalpa, Hesperia, CA 92345; tel. 1‑619/947‑5504) displayed innovative multi‑cylinder engines: five‑ and seven‑cylinder units with polished aluminum exteriors. These are actually single‑cylinder two‑stroke engines that route exhaust into other non‑operating cylinders in sequence, producing an unusual, very quiet sound. They are available directly from the manufacturer, though not mass produced.
- O.S. introduced the BGX‑3500 for large‑scale models. The 2.135‑cu.‑in. displacement converts to 35 cc (hence the "3500"). The BGX‑3500 is a two‑stroke with a claimed rpm range of 1,800 to 9,000 and weighs 20.7 oz. without header or muffler. It can be beam‑ or radial‑mounted; the radial mount uses the same hole pattern as the Super Tigre ST3000. The BGX‑3500 is marketed by Great Planes.
Novice‑Oriented Products
Chicago Model International (CMI) introduced ARF electric trainers aimed at beginners and offered a "crash warranty." CMI's two models (a Cessna look‑alike and a shoulder‑wing trainer with a top‑pod motor) were sold complete with RC system, battery, charger, and spare parts. Under the crash warranty, during the first 60 days any broken parts could be returned for repair or replacement for shipping and handling only ($6.50).
Radios and Electronics
Radios showed significant advances:
- Airtronics introduced a second‑generation computer transmitter with a fully contoured case and button‑selectable channel selection. It offers multiple programming features and will be available in versions for specialized flying applications.
- Hobby Dynamics (distributors of JR) displayed the X‑347 computer radio. It features a contoured, one‑size‑fits‑all case and programmable modes for airplanes, helicopters, and sailplanes, plus a programmable trainer system that allows gradual student control takeover.
Show Assessment
From the beginning there was concern that RCHTA shows might drift toward general toy or craft shows, but the L.A. show remained a dedicated model hobby event—even where products covered multiple modeling disciplines. Aisles were naturally grouped by interest (trains, cars, airplanes), with many cross‑over vendors supplying tools and electronics to all modelers.
RCHTA shows do not include swap shops, nor are they buying shows. While swap shops and buying shows have their advantages, the RCHTA format emphasizes exhibitor displays and new product exposure. Overall, the show was enjoyable and successful for model airplane builders and fliers.
For information about future RCHTA shows or to send questions or comments, contact: Larry Sperling, RCHTA Executive Director P.O. Box 681116, Schaumburg, IL 60168 Tel. 1‑708/310‑1222
Little Known Addresses
- Bruce's Aircraft Models, 3941 S. Bristol, Suite 93, Santa Ana, CA 92704. Tel. 1‑714/241‑7518.
- The Control Room, 1334‑D N. Benson Ave., Upland, CA 91786. Tel. 1‑714/985‑0700.
- U.S. AirCore, 5050 Quorum Dr., Suite 600, Dallas, TX 75240. Tel. 1‑214/991‑1876.
- TSK/Vortex Precision Products, 221 S. Magnolia, Suite C, Anaheim, CA 92804. Tel. 1‑714/220‑2112.
- Century Import/Export, 759 E. Brokaw Rd., San Jose, CA 95112. Tel. 1‑408/436‑1025.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
