Credit: Erich Martin/Levittownnow.com
Joe Plano began as a radio controlled, or RC, hobbyist 18 years ago. Recently, he opened up a storefront dedicated to the hobby in Bristol Township’s Croydon section.
“It’s something fun to do, and it is challenging,” Plano said.
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Plano got his start by walking into a hobby shop and buying his first RC car. Since then, Plano has accrued many personal cars and completed lots of repair and customization jobs. The plan to open a storefront began two years ago. In addition to the Croydon location, Plano also operates out of the Quaker City Flea Market in Philadelphia.
Plano settled on the location for RC Misfit at 310 Bristol Pike because it is close to his Croydon home. There are also no other hobby shops of the same variety in the vicinity, Plano said.
Not far away, Trainpop’s Attic on Mill Street in Bristol Borough has a strong focus on model trains.
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“It’s a big community, but small at the same time,” Plano said, explaining the community’s friendliness and closeness. “If stores like this go down, you lose the hobby.”
Shopping online doesn’t offer the same type of interaction as going into the local hobby shop and talking with owners and other shoppers about the hobby.
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RC Misfits carries RC cars, boats, helicopters, planes and drones. Right now, the store mainly focuses on cars, boats and planes, , Plano said.
Whatever the local base demands, though, Plano said he will sell. In addition to the new vehicles, Plano will sell used vehicles, spare parts, perform repairs and do custom work for customers.
“The limitation on this stuff is wherever you want to stop,” Plano said.
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On the counter next to Plano was a project he has put innumerable hours into. He is working on turning a child’s push toy into an RC mini-school bus. Although the project isn’t finished, it is obvious the toy is well on its way to being a functioning RC vehicle.
“I really can’t put it into words. It’s like a dream come true,” Plano said.
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As a kid, Plano always dreamed of owning his own business. Now working a day job and running RC Misfits at night, that dream has come true.
“This started as just another portion of the hobby for me,” Plano said.
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RC Misfits is the perfect place for hobby newcomers and veterans alike. Plano is glad to talk to newcomers, give advice and talk about the hobby he has grown to love.
“I always want more people in the hobby,” Plano said.
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RC Misfits is open from 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday..
