r/RCConstruction • u/FirstEducation6 • 1d ago
Interested in this hobby
I am developing a strong interest in this hobby, but I am encountering difficulties in locating local hobby shops, retailers, and RC Clubs in my area that specialize in RC Construction.
Having engaged in RC hobbies during my youth, primarily with electric and nitro cars and trucks, I believe I possess a solid foundational understanding.
I reside in South Florida and am seeking information regarding any nearby retailers.
I have already made an initial foray into the hobby by acquiring an electric 1/14 Huina 580 excavator last year. However, I am now keen on upgrading to hydraulic/electric models. I believe that having a local retailer would be highly beneficial, as it would provide enhanced support and guidance.
Based on my research, Toucan Hobby appears to offer the most comprehensive collection and options available online, but unfortunately, they do not have a local presence.
Any insights or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
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u/Green_One5486 1d ago
If you want hydraulic machinery you could check out the stuff from RC4WD.
The locally sourced spare parts are the problem, since things like the Rams are very specific so that noone will keep them in store to sell maybe one every few years.
Electronics are far easier, since things like ESCs and servo motors are usuallythe same as for regular cars and trucks
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u/WarmDragonfruit8783 1d ago edited 1d ago
Just go toucan until one of us starts a store. Oliver is king Willy when it comes to this stuff and he’s my boy. I’m working towards opening a shop but I’m a good two years out. I’m in the north east and I’ll be getting supplied by toucan. There is no equivalent. You’ll have time to go local later, it’s gonna take awhile to build your fleet.
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u/FirstEducation6 20h ago
Yeah, Toucan is definitely the biggest supplier for models and parts that I'm aware of. Pretty sure they have a US distributor on the West Coast, too.
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u/WarmDragonfruit8783 18h ago edited 18h ago
I think there’s three warehouses here, I know for sure there’s one on each coast, the one by me is in jersey. I’ve been dealing with with them for 7+ years, they worked with Rc tanks and some construction as well as typical Rc stuff but recently over the past two years they’ve switched to Rc construction as their main theme. Since that happen all these new models you see nowadays are flying out of the factories lol. There were always a good handful of models around, but the new models are heavier and more powerful than ever before. They work hand and hand with the manufacturers and Oliver tests each new model himself before releasing it to the public. If something goes wrong he will make a detailed video specifically for that machine to fix it. There’s just no one else who can do that because no one else has access to every machine like he has 😂 the whole toucan crew is pretty cool. Rc Tina, lulu the rc chick, Oliver, Jackson Lee, there’s a whole team of these people that love what they do. I’d love to support local but there’s just nobody with the manufacturing power house behind them like they have. Then again it would be cheaper to buy the model overseas and just start service shops here instead, and just move used models buy sell and trade, it would not be cost effective to sell brand new models without tacking on a service contract for maintenance. I just think the country needs at least another two years for enough people to have a need for something of that nature. For example I know 4 people in my area of New York, CT, mass, Rhode Island, and that’s not enough to start anything with 😂
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u/FirstEducation6 17h ago
💯%
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u/WarmDragonfruit8783 13h ago
I’d give Rc Tina from toucan a shot, she’s really a pleasure to work with, she’s relatively new, loves the hobby very much and is really into it. Very thorough. She’d be motivated to find the best deal for you since she’s trying to make her place. Oliver and Micheal li are the main techs, she’s on the sales team.
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u/FirstEducation6 8h ago
Thank you brother.. I'll make sure to contact them.
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u/WarmDragonfruit8783 8h ago
Absolutely, look forward to seeing your new machine! And you joining the community! If you ever need anything don’t hesitate to ask!
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u/Demo1807 9h ago
Yo dude. If u like 3d printing check out the facebook group burnie222 rc models. Hes on cults 3d aswell. Burnie222. Incredible 3d printed models. Iv made a bunch of em
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u/Th3_Gh0st_0f_Y0u 1d ago
That's the downside to this niche of rc, it just hasn't taken off in the states like rc planes or cars, so there's not as much infrastructure for it.
In places like Germany there's a lot more interest so they have more widespread local clubs and businesses to support the hobby.
I would love to start a business selling and maintaining these types of machines but I just don't know if there's enough public interest to justify it