local hobby shops

[Ron Hopping]

looking for a few good hobby shops around Belleville IL.area or even St louis.i am new to the area and need a hobby shop recommended.i know could find one online but am hoping someone could recommend a good one,thanks to all,Ron

[Robert Schroeder]

I haven't been there since I no longer live in St. Louis, but there is a Schaeffer's hobby shop in south St. Louis county, I think on Gravois. I could be wrong, but I think that's it.  I know it's Schaeffer's.  You can look it up in the phone book.  He supports control line I've heard.  Don't know of any others.

Hope this helps.

[bill marvel]

I haven't been there since I no longer live in St. Louis, but there is a Schaeffer's hobby shop in south St. Louis county, I think on Gravois. I could be wrong, but I think that's it.  I know it's Schaeffer's.  You can look it up in the phone book.  He supports control line I've heard.  Don't know of any others.

Hope this helps.

Hi, Ron,
Bob remembers correctly.  Schaeffer's is on Gravois, just east of Kirkwood in the South part of the city.  (Kirkwood may be called Lindberg at that point; it changes names).  Schaeffer's has been around for a very long time.  Unfortunately, like most local hobby shops, they have very little in the way of control line items.  Schaeffer's carrys a nice selection of RC gear as well as some coverings (Monocoat?) and a good supply of balsa and some ply and sometimes CL fuel.  Mark Twain is the other major hobby shop.  It is located just of I-70 in St. Charles, just across the Missouri River (NW St. Louis).  Take the Zumbelt (sp?) Exit and double back on the access road about a block.  Mark Twain, like Schaeffer's has very little CL specific stock.  But you can get tools, adhesives and some dope.  Mark Twain has a good selection of miscellaneous parts like wheels, mounting bolts and other generic model supplies.  Ask if Dan McEntee is working. Dan is an excellent CL flyer and would be glad to help.

Most of us rely on the mail order businesses who specialize in CL stuff.  You find some of them listed in the Vendor's Section of Stunt Hanger.

regards,
bill marvel

[Chris McMillin]

Hi Ron,
The webmaster of this site lives in St. Louis, and Dan McEntee, that works part time at Mark Twain Hobbies, is another great help in Stunt specifically in the area. These guys could get you going and direct you to other locals, the flying site at Buder Park on I-44 and highway 121, and other stuff like the club, event calender, etc. I suggest you PM Sparky Storick and Dan on this board.
Chris...

[Dan McEntee]

   Hi Ron;
      There are hobby shops all over the area, some more complete than the others. I think there are even a couple on your side of the river, but I haven't been to any of them yet. Most will be able to order anything that you might need that they don't have on hand.
    I'm biased of course, but I think we do a pretty good job out at Mark Twain Hobby. I've been working there part time for about 27 years. We are what is called a full service hobby shop and carry a pretty full line of model airplanes, cars, boats, plastic models, and trains. The owner, Dennis Babbitt, has always tried to have the shop staffed with knowledgeable people who participate in the hobbies we sell. My specialties of course are model airplanes (control line, free flight and R/C) but I know enough about all the other areas to get a beginner started. I'm there usually every Friday during the day and sometimes a Sunday every now and then. I used to work a lot more hours, but got put on second shift at my regular job several years ago and the nature of my job makes it difficult to work more. My boss lets me come in one day a week because even after 27 years, I just can't get it out of my system!
   I was at the speed contest at Buder Park last weekend on Sunday, did you make it there? I was feeling a bit under the weather and wasn't terribly alert, so if I missed you I apologize. I'm watching the weather right now as I type this, and I wouldn't mind getting in a flying session this weekend if Mother Nature cooperates with good weather. We usually try to send out an email to some of the other local guys if one of us is planning to fly on the weekend.  Drop me a line with your email address and we'll put you in the loop. I don't get out as much as I would like, but like to stay informed so I have the chance if possible. There are also several other club members that live on your side of the Big Muddy  that get together at the Wild Country night club parking lot for quick flying sessions. Once you get to some of the club meetings and meet some of the guys and where we all live, it won't be hard to find someone to fly with.
    Welcome to the area, and we'll be seeing you at the flying field
    Type at you later,
   Dan McEntee
  dpmcenthusiast@aol.com

[Ron Hopping]

thank you for the input,i look forward to seeing some of you real soon,Ron