Robotix

So I figured I would just share the limited info I have found for anyone interested, but in researching the model hobby industry overall and RC industry in particular, what I have found is there is every combination imaginable in this industry in terms of who makes what. For example, some companies just focus on one part type, for example gears and drivetrain components, or radios, or engines, or motors, or fuels, etc...while others make RC vehicles, but also make engines, fuel, motors, wheels, tires, etc...for their own RC vehicles (Traxxas for example makes parts for their own RC vehicles), some others make their own RC vehicle, but then make accessories for other brands as well, for example OFNA makes their own RC vehicles, but also makes products specifically for Traxxas vehicles as well. DuraTrax makes their own RC vehicles, but then makes battery packs and battery chargers for general usage as well.

Then there are companies that focus say on just RC cars and trucks, with some parts, while others focus solely on RC helis, others RC planes, some make all RC vehicles (planes, helis, boats, cars, trucks, etc...) under one brand (Tamiya), some make all RC vehicles, but have a different brand name for each, for example Horizon Hobby does it all, they own the Team Losi brand, the Losi brand, Dynamite brand, model train brands, RC airplane brand for advanced people, RC airplane brand for beginners, toy brands, engine brands (they have multiple engine brands for RC!), parts brand (Dynamite), RC radios, PLUS, they are a distributor for hobbies!!!

So Horizon Hobby distributes RC products, plus manufactures their own RC brands. I've heard of manufacturers of products and distributors of products, rarely does one see a company that distributes products and makes its own as well. Kind of like when supermarket chains sell their own products, in addition to others, I suppose. Here is the webpage of all the Horizon Hobby brands: http://www.horizonhobbycorp.com/WhatWeDo/

All in all, this means Horizon Hobby makes RC cars, trucks, boats, planes, toys, RC accessories and tools, RC radios, engines, wheels, tires, battery packs, etc...plus distributes RC products.

(This is an inspiration for my dream of building a huge model hobby and toy company )

Model Rectifier Corporation is another company that makes RC cars, trucks, boats, planes, helis, engines, trains, die cast, and all sorts of other hobby products: http://www.modelrectifier.com/ So they are another inspiration too. They too are a distributor of hobby products, along with being the manufacturers of many hobby brands: http://www.modelrectifier.com/about/index.asp

Now like engine companies like OS Engines, I believe they manufacture engines for all RC vehicles.

Then there's like Futaba, which makes radios, Hitec, which makes radios, servos, and their own robotics kits.

I am a newcomer to this industry, but it just seems so huge, the RC industry alone, then there's the whole model hobby industry too, which must be huge when you figure in all of RC, robotics kits which are increasing in popularity, diecast, plastic model kits, model trains, model rockets, etc...! So much to learn!

Here are some websites:
http://www.rcx.com/ME2/Default.asp - Radio Control Expo
http://www.ihobbyexpo.com/ - iHobby Expo
http://www.hmahobby.org/

The other great thing about building a huge company is then I will have the $$$ to indulge myself in all the RC products I wish[8D]

redfisher1974

looks like you have done alot of research......Sounds intresting.

smart racer

good luck...and have fun

Gado

How about Great Planes Model Distributors, http://www.gpmd.com/product.html

Up Grade RC

So have you made any steps towards getting started with your own company? Or have you only researched it? I may be able to give you a few tasks to get started quickly and cheaply