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Dad’s Toy Shop Celebrates 50 Years
Dad’s Toy Shop, a mainstay of downtown Wapakoneta, Ohio, marks its 50th anniversary this year—a remarkable milestone for an independent, family-run hobby store that has served generations of enthusiasts across northwest Ohio. Founded in 1975 by Katie and Jim Metz, the shop remains a hub for local hobbyists and is still operated by their sons, J.P. and Rodney Metz. Established with the mission to provide every hobbyist with the supplies, connections, and support needed to enjoy their craft, Dad’s Toy Shop has grown from a small storefront into northwest Ohio’s premier destination for models, RC vehicles, train sets and scenery, and rocketry. Customers know they can rely on the Metz family for personalized service and deep product knowledge. Katie Metz, an accountant and former city treasurer, co-founded the shop with her husband Jim to bring the joy of model building and collecting to their community. Today, J.P. and Rod continue the family tradition, focusing on adapting to changing trends and keeping the hobby spirit alive in Wapakoneta. For decades, the Metz family has supported hobbyists of all ages, hosting events and offering expert advice from a genuine enthusiast’s perspective. Trends come and go, but hobby store staples remain popular. Outdoor-friendly models, including planes, boats, and cars, top the list as families shop for gifts that foster hands-on creativity and togetherness. Dad’s Toy Shop’s focus on community stands as a shining example of how independent retailers can thrive for half a century and beyond.In Memoriam: Hazel Sig
The model aviation world lost one of its most enduring pioneers. Hazel Sig-Hester, legendary pilot and co-founder of SIG Manufacturing, passed away Oct. 10 at the age of 103. For more than half a century, Hazel inspired generations of builders and fliers through her passion for aviation and her leadership at one of the oldest and most respected names in the hobby. Under her guidance, SIG became synonymous with craftsmanship, innovation, and the joy of flight. She and her husband, Glen Sigafoose, began selling balsa wood in the 1950s and later opened Sig Manufacturing Company. She learned to fly in 1958 and flew aerobatic shows until Glen died during an air show performance in 1980.Known for her warmth, determination, and lifelong love of flying, Hazel represented the heart and history of model aviation. |
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Hornby USA Inventory Going To New Homes As Hornby Hobbies winds down operations at its warehouse in Lakewood, Washington, distributors are buying inventory to continue to serve stores with the Hornby brands. Heartland Hobby Wholesale purchased the entire Airfix and Rivarossi (and some Scalextric) inventory. “Within a few semi-trailer deliveries, we’ve added 18,000 pieces of Airfix automotive and military model kits, and just about 6,500 pieces of Rivarossi locomotives and rolling stock to offer to our dealers,” said Trevor Harm, business development specialist with Heartland. “These are new lines for us, and we are pretty energized to be able to offer them at great prices.” Stevens International reported acquiring the entire stock of 1/35-scale tanks at a discount and have put them out for sale to their retail customers at very low prices. “It’s 1/35-scale model tanks at a retail price unheard of in this day and age,” said Alan Bass, president of Stevens International. . |
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RC Car Wins The Wild Goose Chase The City of Ottawa, Canada, has found a creative new use for high-performance RC vehicles—keeping geese off the beach. At Mooney’s Bay Beach, along the Rideau River, Canada geese have long been a nuisance. Each bird consumes up to 4 pounds of grass daily and leaves behind about 2 pounds of droppings, creating health hazards for people and pets while damaging lawns and water quality. With goose populations doubling every few years, the city needed a new solution. Because drones aren’t permitted so close to the Ottawa airport, the Parks Maintenance team turned to a different tool: the Traxxas Pro Scale Sand Car. Weighing about 22 pounds and over 32 inches long, the RC sand car has proven well-suited to Mooney’s Bay’s sandy terrain. Since late July, trained staff have been operating the car for an hour each day, safely steering geese away from pedestrian and cycling paths. The city emphasizes that the car is used at reasonable speeds to ensure no harm to birds or beachgoers. For hobby retailers, Ottawa’s project highlights the versatility of RC products—not just for play, but also for innovative problem-solving in public spaces.
Bandai Opens New Gundam Museum In Shizuoka
Shizuoka, long regarded as the hub of Japan’s model industry, has a new attraction for plastic model fans. On Sept. 2, Bandai Spirits opened the BHC PDII Museum inside its newest production plant, the Bandai Hobby Center Plamo Design Industrial Institute (PDII). The hands-on museum showcases the production process behind Bandai’s iconic Gunpla kits, which have sold over 800 million units worldwide. Visitors can view rare design blueprints, learn about Bandai’s proprietary multicolor molding technology, and even watch live demonstrations of injection molding machines.
The centerpiece is a life-size Gundam model kit, officially titled Earth Federation Close Quarters Combat Mobile Suit RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 2.0, 1/1 Scale Master Grade Model. At the entrance, its head alone measures 14 meters wide and 3.5 meters high, an unmissable photo opportunity for fans. Shizuoka is already home to top names like Bandai and Tamiya, with the city accounting for 80% of Japan’s plastic model shipments. Local landmarks—from signboards to public telephones—have been re-decorated in the style of model kit runners, reflecting its identity as the “world capital of plamo.”
The new PDII facility, which began operations in July 2025, emphasizes eco-friendly technology and automation while aiming to be a “captivating factory” for employees, residents, and fans alike. If you’re thinking of visiting, plan ahead. The BHC PDII Museum operates on a reservation system, and tickets are in high demand
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Toy Building Opens In LA As Industry Hub The Toy Association opened the new Toy Building in El Segundo, California, located in the heart of L.A.’s rapidly growing “Toy District” as an international hub for the toy and hobby industry. The Toy Building brings together global toy companies, mid-sized manufacturers, and emerging startups, whose showrooms will attract buyers, licensors, and key decision-makers from around the world to preview toy prototypes, scout new toy trends, and hold private meetings. “The strategic opening of The Toy Building further establishes Southern California as a key hub for international trade, innovation, and business in the toy and play sector—a $100+ billion global industry that supports tens of thousands of U.S. jobs across design, manufacturing, distribution, and retail,” said Greg Ahearn, president & CEO of The Toy Association. “The Toy Building provides toy manufacturers from around the globe the opportunity to establish a West Coast presence, helping businesses to work together and thrive, making El Segundo’s Toy District an economically important and growing part of the L.A. business landscape.” Tenants of The Toy Building include Hasbro, LEGO, Crayola, Funko, Playmobil, Crazy Aaron’s, Faber-Castell, and many more. During the Fall Preview season for the toy industry, roughly 200 companies will preview Fall 2026 product lines and prototypes in private showrooms both within The Toy Building and the surrounding Toy District. | Toys “R” Us Expanding Store Openings Toys “R” Us is charging into the holiday season with its biggest growth year yet, unveiling 10 new U.S. flagship stores and 20 seasonal shops in partnership with Go! Retail Group. The move comes as the retailer marks “100 days to Christmas” and strengthens its presence across more than 1,500 stores and e-commerce platforms in 35+ countries.
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