Troy Built Models
Owner
Owner Gene Payson’s goal for Troy Built Models (TBM) is to be the “Wal‑Mart of the model business,” providing a large selection of items at low cost. To reach this goal, he has continually added product lines and purchased smaller companies, allowing him to amass a wealth of goodies that encompasses propeller- and turbine-powered aircraft.
History and background
Gene got involved in flying models at a young age. He started with control-line (CL) flying with a friend in Illinois at age 12, and then moved to radio control (RC) by age 15. Later in life, Gene was ultimately drawn to International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) competition.
Taking advantage of his early retirement, he put in a lot of time practicing, which allowed him to quickly move up from the Basic through the Unlimited classes.
Gene purchased TBM from Troy Crowe in 2000 because the company had one of the best IMAC airplanes at that time: the One Design. Gene moved TBM from Michigan to the warmer climate of Florida in late 2002.
The company slowly began to add parts to better support the aircraft line that it stocked. Gene was happy to take advantage of the year‑round flying, but as his product lines grew, so did the demands of running the company, which kept him from getting his flying fix.
Around this time, Gene pioneered the use of carbon-fiber wing tubes after he found a good supply from a sail company. These components became hugely popular, and more and more sizes were needed.
“Once they are a joy to fly, it’s time to move on,” Gene says about aircraft design and development.
Design and development
Drawing from his experience as an engineer, Gene has developed several aircraft through the years. From helping design the first Extra 260 for RC to pioneering a low-cost trainer jet, aircraft design is what keeps him excited about the hobby.
Being a history buff, Gene researches aircraft and pilots, looking for ideas for new models. He then solicits the opinions of friends and club members about which airplanes they think will sell well. As a businessman, Gene realizes that just because he likes an aircraft doesn’t mean it will be successful on the market.
Armed with feedback, he often designs the model and then has an employee build the prototype. While Gene tweaks the design, he looks for feedback on markings or color schemes; the aircraft are normally available in two to three colors.
Even when he’s not designing his own models, Gene meticulously reviews each aircraft he is interested in selling and provides feedback on ways to make it better. If the factory is willing to listen and incorporate the suggested changes, TBM will stock the model.
Typical changes that Gene requests include everything from throttle-servo placement to structural changes to the airframe.
Lately, Gene has been interested in scale subjects. He is currently working on a WACO that will use a radial engine and be available in four color schemes.
Product lines and offerings
Today, TBM is one of the largest hobby shops in the world. It is completely mail order and also sells products at trade shows and flying events.
- TBM has 21 employees, including Gene’s wife, who handles invoicing and runs the shipping department.
- TBM stocks more than 2,000 products and continually looks to diversify its lineup.
- The company took on the Pilot RC aircraft product line, which has been popular. Models vary in size from 30% to 47% and include: Decathlon, Yak, Extra 260, Extra 300, and Katana.
- For warbird fans, TBM added the ESM line of models, which includes: Corsair, Ki‑84, Dauntless, Spitfire, Stuka, and Tigercat. TBM ultimately plans to stock upward of 35 ESM aircraft when they become available.
- TBM also supplies popular items such as carbon-fiber wing tubes and many other support parts.
Company visit
I had the opportunity to visit TBM in Sarasota, Florida, before attending the Joe Nall Giant Scale Fly‑In in May. Gene warned me that it’s not too exciting to look at warehouses and boxes, but it was a great opportunity to meet the people behind the company.
Gene’s passion for the hobby came through in our conversation as he showed me around and introduced me to his staff. I knew he was as hooked on aviation as I am when his wife proudly showed me a picture of the family dog sitting in an airplane pedal car.
If you are looking for one-stop shopping with a company that supports everything it sells, including giant-scale aerobatic models, warbirds, jets, and all related accessories, look into TBM.
MA
Jay Smith [email protected]
Sources: Troy Built Models 1650 Honore Ave. Sarasota, FL 34232 (941) 342-8685 www.troybuiltmodels.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
