Horizon Hobby

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The Horizon Hobby logo Horizon Hobby logo.png
The Horizon Hobby logo

Horizon Hobby, LLC is an American multinational hobby-grade RC radio control (RC) model and model train manufacturer and distributor founded by Rick Stephens, Janet Ottmers, Debra Love, and Eric Meyers [1] in July 1985 [2] and headquartered in Champaign, Illinois. [3] Horizon Hobby products are sold in more than 50 countries. [4] Additional facilities are in California and abroad in the United Kingdom, Germany, and China. [4]

Contents

History

The Early Years - 1985-1999

After Great Planes Model Distributors and Tower Hobbies merged in 1984, Hobbico, Inc. was created. [5] In July 1985, Stephens, along with Janet Ottmers, Debra Love, and Eric Meyers, formed Horizon Hobby. [5] October 1, 1985, was the first day of official business as the team started shipping inventory on orders they’d been taking the months prior. The company began distributing product lines such as Goldberg, Royal, K&B, Sullivan, and Du-Bro. [5]

In 1986, a second distribution center was opened in Paso Robles, California, allowing Horizon Hobby to service retailers west of the Rockies. [1] A year later, a third distribution center was opened in Ashland, Virginia, creating the ability to service retailers on the East Coast. [6]

The first proprietary brand, Dynamite, was created in 1988. [6]

Horizon Hobby purchased Hobby Dynamics in 1992 and secured exclusive distribution rights to brands such as JR radios and Saito engines, among others. [1]

Horizon Hobby acquired Indy R/C in 1998 and remade it into the first iteration of horizonhobby.com. [1] The early site featured the latest products, links to tech articles, a dealer locator, and more.

The Revolutionary Years - 2000-2017

In 2000, Horizon Hobby introduced the HobbyZone Firebird, the world's first Teach-Yourself-to-Fly RC airplane. The Firebird featured a patented design and a user-friendly two-channel control system, making it accessible to new enthusiasts. This all-inclusive package included the airplane, battery, charger, and radio, allowing beginners to fly on the very same day. [1]

Horizon Hobby merged with Team Losi, known for its leadership in engineering high-performance RC racing vehicles, in 2000. [6] This collaboration led to the launch of the Losi Mini-T in 2003, further enhancing the product portfolio. [6]

Another milestone came in 2004 with the introduction of the first 2.4 GHz spread spectrum radio systems for radio control models at the iHobby Expo in Rosemont, Illinois. [6] [7] Originally developed by Paul Beard, [7] this technology is akin to what's used in cell phones and Wi-Fi routers. ¬

Horizon Hobby welcomed Athearn Trains in 2004, [6] adding a comprehensive line of model railroad products, including train sets, locomotives, cars, controllers, tracks, and accessories.

2005 witnessed the introduction of three proprietary brands: Spektrum radios and accessories, Blade helicopters, and ParkZone planes. [6] [8] These brands brought innovative RC technology to hobby-quality aircraft, featuring plug-and-play accessories and multiple flight modes.

Joe Ambrose assumed the role of CEO in 2008. [9]

In 2009, Horizon Hobby created Airmeet, an annual event held at the airfield in Donauwörth, Bavaria. [6] [10] [11] Airmeet blends RC displays and flying with full-size airplanes and flight shows.

2010 saw the introduction of Spektrum AirWare firmware, allowing for pilot programming and customization. [12]

In 2011, Horizon Hobby unveiled the Blade CX2, the first coaxial mini helicopter with 2.4GHz control. [6] The same year, Team Losi Racing introduced the 22 platform [12], winning numerous national and international titles and industry accolades.

In 2012, the Losi 5IVE-T 1/5 scale 4WD Off-Road Truck earned the title of Car Action Magazine Truck of the Year. [12]

2013 brought the introduction of the E-flite Apprentice, heralded as the most intelligent RC airplane ever offered at the time. [12] Continuing to serve RC beginners, Horizon Hobby launched the ECX Torment and Ruckus, the first monster truck and short course truck specifically designed for novice enthusiasts. [12]

In 2014, Horizon Hobby underwent a significant change as it was acquired by a group of investors led by Joe Ambrose, forming Horizon Hobby, LLC. [1] [13]

The year 2015 brought the Blade Inductrix, the first ultra-micro First-Person View (FPV) quadcopter designed to be accessible to all skill levels. [6] In the same year, Horizon Hobby introduced SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) Technology, enhancing the safety and ease of flying RC aircraft. [6]

2016 marked the introduction of AVC (Active Vehicle Control) Technology, a groundbreaking advancement in RC vehicle stability and control. [6]

Horizon Hobby continued to push the boundaries in 2017 with the introduction of the iX12, the industry's first internet-capable radio transmitter. [6]

Since its inception in 2017, Horizon RC Fest has grown to become the largest gathering of radio-controlled cars, trucks, airplanes, helicopters, and drones in the Midwest. [6] [10] [14] This three-day event brings thousands of enthusiasts [6] together to enjoy everything radio control, featuring demo stations, "Try Me" tents, air and racing shows, and more.

The Post-Hobbico Years: 2018-Present

Horizon Hobby entered an agreement to purchase some assets of failed competitor, Hobbico, in April 2018. [15]

In November 2021, Horizon Hobby announced the acquisition of RealFlight RC Flight Simulator from Knife Edge Software. [16]

Proprietary Brands

Horizon Hobby consists of several brands: [17]

Events

Horizon Hobby hosts several radio control gatherings: [10]

Airmeet Airmeet is an annual RC event held in Donauwörth, Bavaria. [6] [10] [11]

RC Fest RC Fest is an annual RC event held at Eli Field in Monticello, Illinois. [6] [10] [14]

AxialFest There are two Axialfest locations held each year – Axialfest itself in Pollock Pines, California, and Axialfest Badlands in Attica, Indiana. [18] [19]

Pro-Line by the Fire Held annually in Apple Valley, California, Pro-Line by the Fire is three days of RC events and family fun. [10]


Notes

    Related Research Articles

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Model aircraft</span> Physical model of an aircraft for display, research, or amusement

    A model aircraft is a physical model of an existing or imagined aircraft, and is built typically for display, research, or amusement. Model aircraft are divided into two basic groups: flying and non-flying. Non-flying models are also termed static, display, or shelf models.

    Radio-controlled cars, or RC cars for short, are miniature model cars, vans, buses, trucks or buggies that can be controlled from a distance using a specialized transmitter or remote. The term "RC" has been used to mean both "remote controlled" and "radio-controlled". "Remote controlled" includes vehicles that are controlled by radio waves, infrared waves or a physical wire connection. RC cars are powered by one of the three energy sources—electricity, nitro fuel or petrol. Electric RC models are powered by small but powerful electric motors and rechargeable nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hydride(NiMH), or lithium polymer (LiPo) cells with the former two being the most used. Both NiMH and LiPo have advantages and disadvantages in various RC applications where NiMH is mainly used for recreational and LiPo for more demanding purposes. There are also brushed or brushless electric motors—brushless motors are more powerful, long lasting and efficient, but also much more expensive than brushed motors.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Radio-controlled aircraft</span> Aircraft controlled remotely via radio control

    A radio-controlled aircraft is a small flying machine that is radio controlled by an operator on the ground using a hand-held radio transmitter. The transmitter continuously communicates with a receiver within the craft that sends signals to servomechanisms (servos) which move the control surfaces based on the position of joysticks on the transmitter. The control surfaces, in turn, directly affect the orientation of the plane.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">ParkZone</span>

    ParkZone was a brand specializing in intermediate-level, radio-controlled electric model aircraft. It was created and distributed by Horizon Hobby, an American hobby manufacturer based in Champaign, Illinois. The term "park flyer" inspired the brand name, signifying compact models suitable for flying in parks.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Athearn</span> American model railroad company

    Athearn is a United States manufacturer of model railroad equipment, produced and distributed by American hobby manufacturer Horizon Hobby, Inc. of Champaign, Illinois.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Radio-controlled helicopter</span> Model aircraft

    A radio-controlled helicopter is model aircraft which is distinct from a RC airplane because of the differences in construction, aerodynamics, and flight training. Several basic designs of RC helicopters exist, of which some are more maneuverable than others. The more maneuverable designs are often harder to fly, but benefit from greater aerobatic capabilities.

    Associated Electrics, Incorporated of Lake Forest, California, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of radio controlled cars, trucks and accessories. Associated Electrics is now owned by Thunder Tiger Corporation from Taiwan. The company is usually referred to as Team Associated.

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    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Multiplex Modellsport</span>

    Multiplex Modellsport GmbH & Co. KG of Bretten-Gölshausen, Germany is a manufacturer of hobby-grade radio control electronics, electric radio-controlled airplanes and electric helicopters.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Cox Models</span> Former division of Estes Industries

    Cox Models, a former division of Estes Industries of Penrose, Colorado, was a multimillion-dollar hobby company, is one of the hobby industry's oldest companies and is noted for its production of miniature model internal-combustion engines.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikko R/C</span> Radio controlled toy manufacturer

    Nikko R/C is the largest toy-grade radio control manufacturer in the world. The company's licenses include those from Dodge, Ford, Volkswagen, Chevrolet, Porsche, as well as proprietary designs. In 2014, Nikko was acquired by global toy company, Toy State. In 2017, Toy State created a new arm of the Nikko brand, Nikko Air. In 2019 Nikko Toys Ltd. became the new home of the Nikko RC brand.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Spektrum RC</span> Radio control systems brand

    Spektrum is a brand of radio control systems designed for use with hobby radio-controlled cars and aircraft. Spektrum is a division of Horizon Hobby.

    Hobbico, Inc. was a manufacturer and distributor of hobby products including radio control airplanes, boats, cars, helicopters and multirotors/drones. Other products include plastic model kits, model rockets, model trains, slot cars, crafts, jigsaw puzzles and games. The company had approximately 850 employees worldwide. On January 10, 2018, Hobbico filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and announced the company is for sale. On April 13, Horizon Hobby acquired control of most Hobbico RC brands & IP. Estes Industries acquired the Estes-Cox business unit and a German venture capital group acquired Revell Germany whole and the Revell-Monogram brands, IP & molds.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Wings Across America 2008</span>

    Wings Across America 2008 (WAA-08) was a group of model airplane enthusiasts that flew a battery-powered radio-controlled aircraft (RC), designated as a park flyer, in all 48 contiguous United States with hopes to make all 50, if Alaska and Hawaii could be reached. A park flyer is a small radio-controlled plane typically flown in a field such as a local park or soccer field.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Yokomo YZ-834B</span>

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    The IFMAR World Championship for 1:10th Electric Off-Road Cars is a world championship radio controlled car race sanctioned by the International Federation of Model Auto Racing (IFMAR). It takes place biennially on odd years since 1987 in its current format but inaugurated in 1985 as a championship for Stock and Modified class It is considered by the radio-controlled modelling industry to be the most prestigious event in the calendar that a number of mainstream hobby and toy brands have fielded factory entries.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">1:10 radio-controlled off-road buggy</span> 1:10 scale radio-controlled dune buggy for off-road racing

    A 1:10 radio-controlled off-road buggy is a 1:10 scale radio-controlled dune buggy designed for off-road racing. These cars are based on their full-scale equivalents that are commonly found in desert racing. The buggies are split into two race categories, two (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). These can easily be distinguished visually by their wheel size at the front. Cars are typically electric powered, but nitro versions do exist but are less common because racing classes exist for electric cars. The class is inexpensive and similar to a number of other classes, and this makes them popular with newcomers. The cars are also known as 1/10 off-road.

    Sanwa Denshi, widely known as Sanwa, is a brand of wireless equipment best known for its high end radio-control gear for scale modelling use. The company have been a subsidiary of the SMC Group since 1965 and began to diversify into the manufacturing of radio-control equipment in 1974 and remote control devices for home and industrial use since 1985.

    References

    1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 P., William (January 1, 2019). "The Rise of Horizon Hobby". Model Airplane News (January 2019): 10. Retrieved 2023-08-09.
    2. ↑ "Rick Stephens". LinkedIn. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
    3. ↑ "L&S sold to Horizon - 7/5/2007 11:52:00 AM - Playthings". Archived from the original on 2007-06-19. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
    4. 1 2 Horizon Hobby (Report). Mill City Capital LP. January 1, 2014. p. 10. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
    5. 1 2 3 Haughn, Rachelle. "Rachelle Haughn interviews Eric Meyers, cofounder of Horizon Hobby". The Park Pilot (Fall 2020). Retrieved 2023-10-05.
    6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 "Our History". Horizon Hobby. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
    7. 1 2 Haughn, Rachelle (2013-03-01). "The AMA History Project Presents: Biography of Paul Beard" (PDF). Model Aviation. Academy of Model Aeronautics. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
    8. ↑ "Horizon Hobby - A Short History". Al’s Hobbies. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
    9. ↑ McGee, Noelle (2019-01-08). "A Life Remembered: Horizon Hobby CEO was 'hands-on with the entire company'". The News-Gazette. Champaign, IL. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
    10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Our Signature Events". Horizon Hobby. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
    11. 1 2 "Horizon Hobby Airmeet". Horizon Hobby. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
    12. 1 2 3 4 "Who We Are". Horizon Hobby. Archived from the original on 2019-12-16. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
    13. ↑ "Horizon Hobby being sold to investors". The News-Gazette. Champaign, IL. 2013-12-09. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
    14. 1 2 "Horizon Hobby RC Fest". Horizon Hobby. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
    15. ↑ Zigterman, Ben. "Bankruptcy judge OKs Horizon's purchase of Hobbico's RC business". The News-Gazette. Retrieved 2020-07-29.
    16. ↑ T., Jim (November 4, 2021). "Horizon Hobby Acquires RealFlight Flight Simulator". RCGroups.com. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
    17. ↑ "Our Brands". Horizon Hobby. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
    18. ↑ "Axialfest". Horizon Hobby. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
    19. ↑ "Axialfest East". Horizon Hobby. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
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