US Government Tariffs Double RC Hobby Equipment Prices: A Look Back at 1980 Costs
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In a shocking turn of events, the US government has slapped hefty tariffs on Chinese imports, sending prices of RC hobby gear skyrocketing. This move threatens to make the once-affordable pastime a luxury only the elite can afford. However, delving into the nostalgic pages of a 1980 Tower Hobbies catalog, we uncover a time when radio control equipment cost a king's ransom. Back then, a mere $16 could buy you a 406-page catalog filled with dreams of model airplanes, gliders, boats, and cars.
Taking a closer look at the prices, we find that a basic Ace Pacer model would set you back around $60 in today's money. And don't even get me started on the Saber F86 kit, priced at a whopping $445 today, with additional materials required. The Futaba FP4N radio set, priced at $727 in today's currency, offered a no-frills experience with basic servos and a 6-channel receiver. Servos like the S23 were a staggering $96, while the FPS 20 mini servo would cost you $127.
But wait, there's more! A 4-channel receiver would set you back $247, and a flight pack with servos would burn a $640-sized hole in your pocket. And let's not forget about JR systems, with a 6-channel set priced at a jaw-dropping $1,215 and an 8-channel set at a mind-boggling $1,648 in today's money. These prices paint a vivid picture of a bygone era when radio control was a hobby reserved for those with deep pockets.
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