Mike you thru us the bait on your web site about the opening of the Pittsbrugh location. Please give us an update I'm eager to purchase a nitro and Mini-T from your new store to race. Thanks

Mike you thru us the bait on your web site about the opening of the Pittsbrugh location. Please give us an update I'm eager to purchase a nitro and Mini-T from your new store to race. Thanks

Well, Yes... it is official! Steel City Hobbies Flagship store is now under development and "should" open sometime in mid June. Gee... that is in two weeks!?! Well, Three at the latest I hope! We have great plans to expand the R/C world here in the Pittsburgh area, and it all starts in Washington PA. Why Washington? Well, we want to build a "Facility" that will house 2 indoor tracks; Dirt Off-Road (Nitro compatible), and On-Road Carpet. And, for hosting future nationally ranked events we need to be placed at the epicenter of the Western Pennsylvanian area, which is WashPa.

However, we are so eager to GET OPEN AND DO SOMETHING, we are building inside the Washington Mall. --Washington Mall? That place is a dump!?-- Well, it is not THAT bad, and it will be a great place to build TWO InDoor tracks; DIRT Off-Road and Carpet On-Road. We have 10,000 SF to house the dirt, and another 10,000 to house the on-road alone. We will have a total of about 28,000 SF under roof including store, tracks and pit area. All will be electric only for this year coming.

We are taking space for our showroom right now.... but the tracks will take form this summer. Please go ahead and ask questions where I and John (store management) will answer as best we can. This will be a fun project and will be ever-evolving to hopefully, building a stand-alone facility down the line in the not so distant future.

We have some info on our site: www.steelcityhobbies.com

Mike@SCH
:roll:

Thats great news. I hope in the near future Ill be spending my sat. nights racing with you.

.....

Ditto to everything said above. Knowing the people involved, it should be a sweet top notch facility. Not to mention extremely fun & competitive racing!

When do you expect the off-road track to be ready for racing?

Is this going to be the place for " The best deal in RC- Two slices of pizza and a pop for $2.50"?:p

Haha, if you are talking about Pizza Joes at River Junction... you have not had real pizza! :devil: We can work out something I am sure. New pizza places right next to the mall... Shorty's is just down the hall... some of the best dogs in town... and there are other places that are decent. But we will not be about stuffing your face... we are focusing on building a decent track for both on and off road! If you have any suggestions or comments, the time will be near for that.
We will begin to work on the On-Road track in July. We will begin to work on the off-road space in July as well, but that will take at least a month or two to be completed. We have a lot of prep work to do. Although, the more hands we have the faster we can get under way! :thumbsup:

Let me know when your building the off road track Ill help. 17 years of running skidsteer loaders and 8 years building R/C offroad tracks, 10 years building real motocross tracks. Mucho can contest to my R/C track building capability.

U812 can definitely build an off-road track! Also one of the nicest & fastest guys you'll ever race against.

How's that for brown-nosing Big Kev!:thumbsup:

Just kidding - U812 could be a big help! Look him up if you need help!

Later-
Mucho

U812,
Yeah sure! After all... this track will belong to the racers, so any help will be great! The off-road space we have was some sort of storage warehouse as there are a lot of overhead trolley type rails. These rails will need to be taken down. The walls are cinder block, and it would be nice to paint them.... then we can throw the dirt right on the concrete floor. It will be a fun project, but it will be even more fun to run on it in the near future! We should be able to get started sometime in July, if not in August.
Mike!

Will River Junction in Beaver stay open or will it close down?

River Junction will now remain open into the immediate future. We would like to continue racing in Beaver as well as keep the store open to support people who live in that area. RJ will serve as an “expansion link” of the Steel City Hobbies flagship store in Washington, PA. :freak:

Mike
I wish I would have thought of this sooner, probally to close to Washington PA for another track. At the Ohio Vally Mall in St.Clairsville OH there is an empty Hills/Ames building that is huge. You could easily put offroad and onroad plus an oval and drag strip under 1 roof along with a store. It has its own parking lot with it, it is in the malls circle but about 1/4 mile back behind it from the I70. I think it would be a good location as Cambridge,Oh about 30 min /NewPhilly,Oh abgout 45min/canton,oh 70 min/ zainesville 45min/ marrietta 60 min/stuebenville 60 min- Wheeling wv 10 min/ parkersburgh wv 70 min- Pittsburgh pa 65 min/ washington pa 30 min. But the washington sight already will cover half of this area. Cant wait to run on the new track.

Also might want to let Dave Montgomery know about the track. I know he does/used to race at CRCRC in columbus and drives from pittsburgh. It would be alot closer if you can get a good mod buggy class going. I think outside california the Ohio area has the fastest drivers (Dave M. Jesse Robbers Brian Handwork Scott Stoffer Allen Horne Chris Bing (when home from military) Curt May to name the ones off the top of my head). Also Toad Hodge and Adam Drake left the area to work for factory losi, and Brian Dunbar left to work for orion I believe. Just a few thoughts.

Mike
Also just wondering how big the track outline itself will be, I hope its 120x60. As that makes for a nice size in my opion. You can get around a 528 foot driving line and thats a 1/10 scale mile.

U812,
Commendable thoughts on the location in OH. Although, we actually have done extensive research in this process as we have demographic studies showing the greatest pool of people for what we want to do would be in the Pittsburgh area. However, with actual "R/C Racers", included within the quad-state areas, Washington PA is the epicenter and basically the easiest to travel to. (Especially with the 2 interstates intersecting coming from North, South, East and West. Of course, we have CAD Plans to build an R/C Facility; the Washington Mall is an excellent choice for the immediate future to house the indoor racetracks that will be up and running before the end of the summer. With that said, we hope to have all the kinks of building two indoor tracks worked out before the cooler weather hits, and will provide a great environment to enjoy some racing.

The on-road track footprint will be within a 10,000 SF area, which will include pit space. Additional pit space will be directly next to our store.
The off-road track/pits will be built inside a space that is just shy of 10,000 SF. However, this space will be divided in half because it is on two floors. This will work out nicely because we can utilize the ground floor for the dirt track as it has cinder block walls and cement floor. (actual dimensions to follow at a later date) Just up-stairs there is the same footprint for pit space giving plenty of room. We have thought about lockers for this area, but we will cross that bridge when we come to it.
We will be posting track design concepts in the near future on our website.

Thanks for the questions! Keep em' coming.

Mike

Walking by the store it looks like major progress. And looks very cool.

I have been to the mall but did not see any space that would support a offroad track. Is it going to be outside the mall or maybe in the basement?If it is in the mall I guess nitro racing is out. :jest:

SCH has around 28k SF of total space which close to 19k of that is specifically for track usage. I am sure if you read the first few posts in this thread you can figure out what is going on, or you can go to www.steelcityhobbies.com for more detailed information. Also, a picture is worth a 1000 words so check them out while you are on the website.

We are not planning any indoor nitro for this coming winter season at this location. But that would be awesome and is our goal for the future... ...

I don't believe there is a basement in the mall... (unless you are speaking of the old Giant Eagle which is "low") ...but we have an awesome space for the dirt off-road track that will be accessible only from the outside. This is a plus because we can then operate when the mall is closed, if need be.

I would also suggest stopping by the mall again when the store opens and we can show ya around!

:thumbsup:

Cowboy and RacerXAX, you should have stopped by and said "hi", since a number of people have already made the trip to see what's up. The store will also have the storeroom to the side of it as "extra" pit space, as well as a room for things such as a Mini-Z track, perhaps SLOT CAR TRACK, etc. The "off-road" track is actually attached to the mall- at the rear of the former Lang's department store. This (almost stand alone) structure has a loading dock, but also has "street level" access to the race room, 2 stairways leading to the second floor, and high (about 15 foot+) ceilings, which will allow for a nice-sized driver's stand; and, the best part of the structure is that BOTH FLOORs ARE HEATED AND AIR-CONDITIONED with a forced air system. When have you raced in A/C offroad?????
Also, just so everyone is on the SAME PAGE: River Junction WILL NOT BE CLOSING when this opens. It will remain open and attempt to run races through the summer on Saturdays, beginning this Saturday(doors at 2, races at 5PM) and every other Saturday following (every 2 weeks)- schedule on the on-road and oval threads. In time, it will be re-named Steel City Hobbies, and be a contributing member of the Steel City family of hobby shops in the tri-state area. And it will (hopefully) grow and offer a "Steel City" experience to racers from the northern PA and NE Ohio regions as it has done for the last 7+ years(racing) and 24 years as a local hobby shop- yes, really 24 years. Thanks for the questions! John @ RJ :wave:

.....

I see where you guys are putting in a new store in Washington. Thats awesome! I live in Grafton, WV, which is about 30 mins away from Morgantown. I have to drive almost 2 hours to the nearest track, and its outdoor onroad only, with no hobby store. I race in Washington previously at the oval track there, I think its called Courtview. Have you spoken with them yet? Maybe they would join you, and you could have three tracks there. I just wanted to say how cool its going to be racing there, especially since I have a XXXS, XXXT,and XXXNT to race all in one place! Will this be a fully R/C stocked store, or the one whats already there, with models, and coins, and a few R/C items? Thanks again, Ky Layfield

Mike,
No problem with the tour... major progress again today. Check out the pics.

Ky,
Thanks... Steel City Hobbies will most likely have the top R/C selection in the whole Pittsburgh area as that is our concentration. We have general hobbies as well, but will have a much stronger inventory in R/C cars, trucks, planes & aircraft, boats, etc. The "silver mine" shop down the way is more of a collectable shop with coins, etc. Even some of the R/C stuff they have is collectable as it has been there for quite some time from what people have told us.

If you live in WV, you may want to check out Steel City Hobbies in Western MD. It is about 50 minutes from Morgantown in Oakland Maryland, Deep Creek Lake. That is a dedicated R/C shop with an outdoor track that may be closer to you than you think.

For information on all of this, check out www.steelcityhobbies.com

Mike!

Mike and John,
First,congratulations!Pictures of the store look great,I can't wait to see it.Hope to stop by one evening when your working(if that's OK).
2nd,a confession.I had serious doubts about this happenning at all and had voiced my concerns to John who defended Mikes plans against my worries.
I'd like to apologies for doubting Mikes intensions,seems that he is very thorough and appears to be doing it right.
I will try my best to support both locations and spread the word.

3rd,Got me an 1/8th scale!!!! With waaayyyy to much power!

See ya at Washington.

Best of luck,
Tom

Tom,

No problem brother!
One thing I have learned is go with the sure thing... and we had many opportunities present themselves with either wanting to join us, merge with us or even buy us... I listened to most of them, and even gave benefit of the doubt a few times... and when that really started to slow our initial plans of opening in the Pgh area, I had to move on and DO SOMETHING.

You have to remember that I wanted to get into the Hobby R/C biz only 15 months ago... Within 5 months I opened my 1st store (Deep Creek Lake, MD) and one year later, Washington PA and soon to pull RJ under the SCH shield. It is an ever evolving process and I want to do it right the first time. I try to keep my eyes open and always listen to any advice from anyone who wants to give it... and of course, trust my friends and instincts.

With that said, we are building something to get us through the upcoming winter with some indoor R/C fun... and hopefully someday soon to build an even bigger and better facility to house everything from electric to Nitro.

I am still in the “Crawling” phase of things but I think we will all grow as fast as the R/C enthusiasts will let us. We just want to have some quality fun!

Mike!

Any future plans for indoor carpet oval in same location with the carpet road course location looks large enough to hold both of them ?

Hello kaug, yes, the carpet track will be BOTH, since it will be big enough(easily). Initially, when we get the rug down, the oval will be the first thing that could be used, and then a week or 2 later, we'll add roadcourse to the menu. Then, in August? sometime we hope to have the off-road track under way, to open by Labor Day?? Once again, this is a prediction, and things can happen where this might be pushed back a bit. But, be sure that your off-road (electric) vehicles will NOT sit idle this winter!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :thumbsup: Thanks for asking, and please stop by the Washington store this Sunday or Monday(opening day). John @ RJ :wave:

We are just putting a few finishing touches on the store. We have decent inventory already loaded into the shop. We will be open on Monday but with Cash only.... as we are setting up the credit card, computer, etc. Thanks to everyone who pitched in this weekend to help us open up by tomorrow! Very impressive work in such a short amount of time.
Mike!

Walked by tonight. Can't wait to check out the awesome display of goods! Very impressive RC store. Clearly a leader in the area (if not the US).

.....

We hope to have some Steelers SWAG (Stuff) within a few days or so... in the mean time, T-Maxx's are going like hot-cakes. Also, Losi Francis 2 trucks will be going fast but we have a decent shipment coming tomorrow or Friday. We are STILL unpacking inventory such as parts, etc... we ran out of slat wall hooks so if anyone has any, let me know! :cool:

RCDinge, we have been open since Monday so stop in and introduce yourself next time you are in the mall!

Mike

.....

Wondering if you could post a phone number for the Washington Pa. store.
Or e-mail me at:
dburns@telerama.com
Thanks,
Tom

Glitcher,

You can find all the contact information on the website:
www.steelcityhobbies.com

Although there is a # after all of my posts.. the direct phone number for Washington PA is:
724.228.1190

Hope this helps!

Mike

To view a few track designs submitted over the last week, you can view them here: http://www.steelcityhobbies.com/WashPaTrackPropo.shtml

If you have any comments or suggestions, or even want to design something yourself to be posted on the Steel City website, email info@steelcityhobbies.com with your drawing and some specs.

Mike :thumbsup:

Some of these designs look good. Can't wait.

Soon as we get the "key" to the door, we will start clearing the road for the track. (on and off road) We will keep you posted.

Keep the track designs coming!

Mike

Speaking from one track owner to another. If you don't mind my asking.......where in the world have you come up with the capital to do all this Mike? I'd like to visit the same bank. :lol:

It is called the Bank of Mike... Hmmm... hey wait... they don't have any loot either? I just try to research what I am doing and what I want to do and "try" to make all the right moves. Maybe in a year or two we will build that 320x150 building we have already designed. I would post that on my website, but why should I give my plans to someone else right? :devil:
It is all about having good, clean fun - for everyone.

Mike and John

i would be happy to help out some when you decide to start work on the tracks.. my family has been in the store a few times to get some small items(battery bars and wire, andpaint) and think it will be a positive outcome for the western PA R/C scene..also im sure the kids and wife would help out some as well so that things can get up and running faster


Jeff Stickle

Jeff,
Thanks! We should have the "key" to the gate tomorrow... the mall "should" have the contract ready by wed we hope! haha We can use all the help we can get building the tracks! Thanks again for the offer and for all the visits!
Mike
:thumbsup:

HUGE LOSI, TRAXXAS and "others" sale this week at the SCH-Washington store.... you will NOT find anything priced lower on R/C kits so check it out asap!
In-store sale only as it is a "sidewalk" sale for the mall.
:wave:

Which track opens first? Off Road or On Road?

We will start on the On-Road on Monday. Actually, construction will start next week on the Off-Road as well!

I would think the On-Road will open 1st however... with Off-Road shortly afterwards. It will be good for those miserable days this summer... the On-Road will be fully climate controlled with plenty of shopping for the in-between racing! :lol: We are excited to get this going ASAP so we can have all the kinks & bugs worked out before the cooler weather sets in.

Don't forget, we have XXX-T and XXX-S RTR Kits on SALE RIGHT NOW!!!! They will never be this low again and we can not post how cheap the sale price is because of the manufacture limitations on lowest advertising pricing. :( Let me put it to you this way... These prices are the cheapest in the USA. Sale ends SUNDAY, July 18 so stop in! (Washington PA store only) Out-of-store sale only, no shipping or phone/email orders. :wave:

We are making progress on the indoor-off road track/rooms. We are working on the on-road and plan to finish that 1st... but the off road will open shortly after the on-road. (mid-late Aug?) Lots of excitement with both tracks... looking forward to some quality racing.

The Carpet track is ready for some oval action. Although we will be adding an AMB timing system in the very near future. Off-Road construction has begun, but we are concentrating on the on-road this month. The dirt for off-road will be in sometime early September.
The store is shaping up nicely as well. Stop by and check it out. We are always open for comments and suggestions on track designs, and inventory for your favorite R/C car.

:wave:

Holly smokes! The track in Maryland was packed yesterday! When will the Washington off-road track be ready? If it is as nice as the on-road, we will have good times ahead!
RacerX

We did it again.... 10-TON of dirt delivered just this past week... looking to have a huge 1/8th Scale Buggy class Sunday too! I will be racing 1/8th Scale and Mod Truck.
Mike!
:thumbsup:

We would like to have a few "Work" days to shape up the Indoor-Dirt area. Please post any interest or contact the store if anyone can volunteer and help build a track!
Thanks!
Mike

Ok, now that the carpet track is up and running, we are going to focus on the dirt! We have a lot of display cases if anyone is interested in them. We have about 15 - 20 of them and we will sell them for about $75-100 bucks. CHEAP! We are only a few weeks away from opening up the track... just in time for the cold weather!

Keep posted to the website for more info.

Mike

I am an off road guy, but on-road looks good for the pittsburgh area with a few carpet tracks. But this may be the only off road track in pittsburgh this winter period. Is this a sure thing because I hear rumors about washington mall getting the wrecking ball. I hope not for our sake! when do you think this track can open? will there be any work weekends to get the track ready?