Tower Hobbies RC Airplanes: The Brand’s History and Models Today
Tower Hobbies was for decades one of the biggest US mail-order RC retailers, part of the Hobbico group in Champaign, Illinois. Alongside selling other brands, it sold its own Tower Hobbies-branded planes, including the Tower Trainer high-wing trainers and sport ARFs. After Hobbico’s 2018 bankruptcy, the Tower Hobbies name was acquired by Horizon Hobby and continues as a retailer, while most of the old Tower-branded airplanes were discontinued.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
History
Tower Hobbies grew through thick printed catalogues and later online sales, shipping RC planes, cars, engines and supplies across the US and abroad. Under Hobbico it sat alongside brands like Great Planes, Top Flite and others. In 2018 Hobbico went bankrupt and its brands were sold; Horizon Hobby bought Tower Hobbies and several product lines. The story is covered in Hobbico RC airplanes.
Tower-branded models
| Model family | Type |
|---|---|
| Tower Trainer (40, 60) | High-wing glow trainer ARFs |
| Uproar and sport ARFs | Aerobatic sport planes |
| Electric park flyers | Foam models |
| Tower-branded engines and accessories | Various |
Many were made by partner factories and sold as good-value ARFs.
The Tower Trainer
The Tower Trainer was a typical high-wing trainer: flat-bottomed wing, tricycle gear and a .40 or .61 glow engine. Many club pilots learned on one. Used examples still turn up and fly well after a check-over. Today’s beginner options are in flying model airplanes for beginners.
Tower Hobbies today
Tower Hobbies continues as an online retailer under Horizon Hobby, selling current brands. Old Tower-branded planes and parts are found used, at swap meets and through collectors. If you’re searching for a “Tower Hobbies RC helicopter”, you’ll mostly find other brands it once sold rather than its own designs.
Buying an old Tower plane
- Check the firewall for oil soak and cracks.
- Look under loose covering for damage.
- Check hinges, pushrods and wing bolts.
- Replace old servos and 72 MHz radio gear with 2.4 GHz.
- Download or ask for the manual for CG and throws.
Converting to electric
- Choose a brushless motor matching the original engine’s power.
- Mount it on the firewall with a standoff.
- Fit an ESC rated above the motor current.
- Place the battery to reach the manual’s CG.
- Add cooling vents and remove the fuel tank.
Engine background is in model airplane engines.
Legacy
For many American modellers, Tower’s catalogue was where the hobby started, and its trainers taught thousands to fly. The planes were not exotic, but they were affordable and dependable, and that’s why many are still flying.
The catalogue era
Before online shopping, Tower Hobbies’ printed catalogue was a reference for many modellers. It listed engines, radios, kits, covering, tools and hardware with specifications and prices, so pilots far from a hobby shop could compare and order by phone or mail. That reach helped spread standard products, like particular engine sizes and trainer layouts, across clubs. It also meant Tower-branded products were designed to be practical and good value rather than exotic. Today the same role is played by online retailers and forums, but many long-time pilots still remember planning their next plane with the Tower catalogue open.
Finding parts today
Original Tower parts are no longer made, but many are generic: wheels, landing gear wire, spinners and hardware can be replaced with current equivalents.
FAQ
Does Tower Hobbies still exist?
Yes, as a retailer under Horizon Hobby.
What was the Tower Trainer?
A high-wing glow trainer ARF.
Are old Tower planes worth flying?
Yes, after a careful check and modern radio.
Who owned Tower Hobbies?
Hobbico, until 2018.
More on this topic: the complete RC Airplanes guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
