ORIGINAL: rglgatortail The previous Tower Hobbies engines were made by MECOA right here in the good ole USA. The company is Model Engine Company of America there in California and they had the contract to make the TH engines for Tower Hobbies. Also the TH engine has a striking resemblence to the GMS engines but it is a known fact that MECOA made the Tower Hobbies engine for Tower Hobbies. [...] Randy Linsalto (I hope I spelled his name right sorry if I didnt) and his wife Lin own and operate MECOA.
It is interesting that you mentioned Randy. I remember some negative comments toward the man some 20 or so years ago. Some experienced modelers, writers for magazines had spoken negatively of him. Then, his engine shop was run out of another business that was totally unrelated to model aircraft. I thought the comments were unfair, there are others out there operating cottage industries, he's not alone. I am glad to see his dream has expanded.
(Last statement deleted as untrue; clarified by Hobbico management)