TNT Hobbies - Cedar Park

TNT Hobbies - Cedar Park

Written by Susan VanDeWater Friday, 07 July 2006

Local racing enthusiasts create RC headquarters

When Tim Ferguson was eight, his father bought him a radio-controlled car. Twenty-two years later, Ferguson is the co-owner of Cedar Park’s RC car headquarters, TNT Hobbies.

Ferguson was the manager of Cedar Park Hobbies for several years before the store closed. It was there that he met his future business partner, Todd Chambers.

“I sold Todd his first RC car,” Ferguson said. “When the store closed a few years later, we decided to go into business for ourselves.”

TNT Hobbies offers 15 different brands of RC cars and airplanes, rockets and models. The store boasts hundreds of parts and accessories, as well as supplies for Pine Wood Derby. Ferguson and Chambers also offer repair services ranging from motors to suspension and custom painting.

The store, which opened last December, specializes in 1/10- and 1/8-scale cars, which can reach speeds up to 70 miles per hour. However, novices might want to start off with a slower, less expensive model.

“Beginners can get into RC cars for about $150,” Ferguson said. “If you’re new to the hobby, the best advice I can offer is to ask for help. My favorite part of this job is helping new people become experts.”

Most of their RC cars are designed for track and off-road racing. They’re not the typical remote control cars found in toy stores. However, the store does offer RC cars for children.

“The cars we sell are more rugged, with parts that can be replaced if broken,” explained Ferguson.

 Ferguson and Chambers are avid racers, traveling all over the state to take part in races. Area RC tracks can be found in Austin, San Antonio and Waco. But Ferguson and Chambers hope to one day build a track closer to home.

“Our vision is to expand. We’d eventually like to have multiple stores and a race track,” said Ferguson.

More immediate plans include hiring more staff members and continuing to be active in the local racing community.

Getting Started: Radio Control Cars

• “The important thing to remember is to take your time and be patient, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.” __ Tim Ferguson
• RC cars come with two types of engines, electric and gas powered. Cars can be purchased either in kits, or as pre-assembled sets known as “ready to run.”
• Hobby RC cars are designed for racing either on a track, on the road or off road. Parts that break can be repaired or replaced, unlike toy remote-control cars. They also come in a variety of sizes, from small enough to run on a tabletop to larger models as big as a tabletop.

Tuesday - Saturday: 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.

TNT Hobbies, 308 S. Bell, Cedar Park, TX, 512-402-8735