Local Model Shops
Building and flying model planes, gliders and helicopters is a very enjoyable and rewarding pastime for both sexes and all ages. These days with the advent of low-cost electronics it has never been easier and cheaper to enter this exciting world. However the club recognises the tremendous dangers that can arise from incorrectly built and flown planes not only to their owners but to by-standers, pets and property and our more experienced members of the club, especially our instructors and examiners, are keen to help all members to safely progress in the hobby. If you are interested in the hobby then why not contact the club through the web site and arrange to come and meet us; indeed we have our own 'buddy-box' trainer which will enable you to have a real flight safe in the knowledge that if things go wrong then an experienced modeller can take over.
However any newcomer to the hobby may well take their first steps by buying a new or s/h plane or helicopter from their friends, from the pub, off the Internet, via E-Bay or the like. Although purchases like this might seem like a bargain they come with no guarantee that the plane or helicopter can fly, especially in a newcomers hands, or if s/,h whether it has suffered previous crash damage.
We believe the best place to start is by visiting a local model specialist; these shops are by their very nature run by people who love, and our experienced in, the hobby. They make their living NOT by selling you something that's out that day, or that hasn't sold for some time and are keen to get rid of; they don't want to make just one sale to you. They want you to be pleased with your purchase and to go back and give them repeat business. They will always give good advice to those who ask for it and suggest good entry-level aircraft that can be safely flown by beginners. As you progress they will be there for the inevitable pilot error when you need spares or upgrades. They often take in aircraft that one modeller may have 'grown out of' and that may be suitable for others and have a great range of models. Local model shops know their customers and their customers know these shops and enjoy going there for advice and fun.
Look after your local model shop as without them this hobby would be much the worse off.
We recommend the following model shops:
Model & Hobby World : 7 Owen Road, Lancaster : Tel 01524 843553 or 01524 845247 : www.modelandhobbyworldlancaster.co.uk
RC Model Centre : Unit 1, Garburn View, Troutbeck, Windermere : http://www.rcmodelcentre.co.uk/
North West Model Supplies : 43 Liverpool Road, Hindley, Nr. Wigan, Lancashire, WN2 3HQ : Tel 01942 523505 : http://www.northwestmodelsupplies.co.uk/