Shop caters to local enthusiasts

Hundreds of parts for model planes, boats and cars line the walls and shelves at Randy's Hobbies, and a dozen airplanes hang from the ceiling above.

Owner Randy Ritch opened the store off Hwy. 249 eight years ago, after he closed his family's other shop, Ritch's Hobbies, which operated for more than 20 years near the Astrodome. Ritch grew up around model planes and cars, and spent time racing giant-scale models in several Formula 1 events over the years.

"I was hot and heavy into cars years ago, and my dad was doing a lot with planes at the same time," Ritch said. "He and I competed together."

Another side of the business, the family has manufactured fuel for the models—called Ritch's Brew—since the mid-'70s.

"[My dad] was competing in the hobby, and he wanted a better product," Ritch said. "He didn't think he was getting the best he could get, so he started making it and other people wanted it."

The fuel is now shipped worldwide, and it supplies numerous airplane racing events around the country.

Randy's Hobbies offers all the parts needed to construct planes, ranging in size from several inches long to several feet. Enthusiasts who buy the pieces for a model airplane without a kit could spend up to two or three years putting everything together, while other models, known as almost-ready-to-fly and ready-to-fly, take less than a week or several hours. Randy's Hobbies also offers a building service for customers, which allows them to come back after several days and pick up a completed model.

Randy's Hobbies has more than a few customers who visit the shop regularly. Jimmy Ballew is one of the faithful clients who has shopped at Randy's for several years. His interest in model airplanes began decades ago and picked up again about 10 years ago.

"I did it as a child, but then I didn't have the money in college," Ballew said. "Now I buy the almost-ready-to-fly models and fly them in different fields."

For customers who do not have experience with aviation, several computer simulators that can teach anyone how to fly are sold at Randy's. The program allows users to select any type of plane, so the correct controls are learned before taking the new model out for the first time.

Randy's Hobbies also has a repair area in the back of the shop, so customers can bring in broken airplanes, cars or boats.

Model parts

Randy's Hobbies sells all the parts needed to put together any kind of model airplane, train or car.

• Radio control outfit
• Electronic motors
• Spinners
• Simulators
• Paint
• Model pilots
• Propellers
• Motors

Randy's Hobbies, 18706 Hwy. 249, Houston 281-469-7000, www.randyshobbies houston.com