Est. 1974 · Brooksville, Florida · 100% American Owned and Operated
50 Years of
Real Hobby.
Founded as a small hobby distributor in New York, IMEX Model Company has grown into a worldwide importer, exporter, and manufacturer trusted by hobbyists and dealers across the globe.
How We Got Here
Five Decades
in the Making
Every milestone shaped who we are today. A company built on genuine passion for the hobby, not just the business of it.
Born from the Hobby
After working for a small New York hobby distributor called CJ Bubla, a guy in his 20s decides to start his own. In March of 1974, Island Model Craft Supply Inc. is founded. No investors, no corporate backing. Just someone who knew the hobby inside out and wanted to do it his way.
A New Name
Island Model Craft Supply Inc. is renamed IMEX Model Company Inc. The new name is shorter, cleaner, and easier to remember. The mission stays exactly the same.
First Trip to Nuremberg
IMEX attends the Nuremberg Toy Fair in Germany for the first time. At a time when many European and UK hobby products simply were not available in the United States, this trip opened the door. IMEX became one of the first American companies to import these goods stateside.
Japan and the Model Kit Boom
Through a friendship with Fred Hill, a California-based importer, IMEX makes its first trip to Japan. The result: IMEX becomes one of the largest importers of model kits in the United States, bringing products to American hobbyists that they could not find anywhere else.
Tires, Molds, and Mail Order
Through the mid-80s IMEX becomes the dominant name in RC tires in the United States. If you were racing or bashing back then, you ran IMEX tires. Alongside that, IMEX launches Phoenix Model Company, a dedicated mail-order catalog for model kits that gave hobbyists access to products they simply could not find anywhere locally. Two very different channels, both built from scratch, both defining what IMEX would become.
Korea: Building Our Own
IMEX begins doing business in Korea and starts building its own molds for RC tires, rims, and plastic model kits. No longer just distributing other people's products, IMEX is now manufacturing. A major step toward becoming the brand it is today.
First Trip to China
IMEX makes its first sourcing trip to China, searching for suppliers in RC, hobby, model kits, and tools. One of the early American hobby companies to go direct. That direct factory relationship has been a cornerstone of how IMEX operates ever since.
Relocation to Florida
IMEX relocates to Brooksville, Florida, where we continue to operate today. A bigger footprint, faster shipping, and a warehouse that keeps growing.
In Every Hobby Shop in America
Long before e-commerce, IMEX built its business the old fashioned way: in-store distribution and catalog mail order. If there is a hobby shop in your town, they almost certainly know IMEX. We became one of the most recognized hobby distributors in the country one shop at a time.
World Trade Shows
IMEX attends the world's top hobby trade events every year, including the Nuremberg Toy Fair in Germany, NHRSA, and the Hobbytown closed show. Seeing products firsthand before they reach our warehouse has always been how we find the best stuff.
Bricks, Puzzles and More
IMEX expands into premium brick sets, puzzles, and construction toys, partnering with top manufacturers from Europe and Asia to bring hobbyists more of what they love to build and collect.
Taigen Tanks Partnership
IMEX partners with Taigen Tanks, bringing the most detailed 1/16 scale RC tank line to the U.S. market. From Tiger I to Jagdtiger, unmatched realism and performance that tank enthusiasts had never seen stateside.
Online Presence
IMEX launches a serious e-commerce presence, bringing the full catalog online and opening up direct-to-consumer sales nationwide. After decades of in-store distribution and catalog mail order, the hobby finally comes to your screen.
50 Years Strong
IMEX Model Company celebrates 50 years in the hobby industry. Five decades of shipping quality products, supporting dealers, and serving hobbyists who expect the real thing. A milestone very few companies in this industry ever reach.
Online Expansion
IMEX kicks off a major push to grow its online presence, expanding the e-commerce store, adding new brands and product lines, launching giveaways across multiple categories, and reaching hobby enthusiasts well beyond the traditional dealer network.
What We Stand For
The IMEX
Difference
Real Support
We stand behind every product we sell. Real people, real answers. Call us, email us, or chat on the site. We've been in the hobby long enough to actually help.
Ships Fast
Orders out the door in 24 hours from our Brooksville, Florida warehouse. No overseas guessing games. No six-week waits. Just fast, reliable shipping from the USA.
Vetted Products
We only carry gear we'd run ourselves. Every product in our lineup has been evaluated on quality, performance, and value. If it doesn't make the cut, it doesn't make the shelf.
What We Carry
Something for
Every Hobbyist
From beginner-friendly RC cars to museum-grade scale tanks, we carry one of the broadest hobby lineups in the country. If it runs, builds, rolls, or flies, we probably have it.
IMEX RC Cars and Trucks
Our flagship line. Brushless bashers, crawlers, short course trucks, and more. IMEX-branded RC vehicles built for real performance at prices that make sense.
RC Tanks
Taigen, Heng Long, and other top tank brands. 1/16 scale battle tanks with airsoft, smoke, engine sound, and full metal upgrades. The most realistic RC tanks available anywhere.
RC Construction Equipment
Excavators, bulldozers, forklifts, cranes, and more. Scale construction RC that actually works. Perfect for collectors, kids, and anyone who loves the real thing.
Brick Sets
MasterBrixx and many other premium brick brands. RC vehicles, tanks, farm equipment, military sets, and more. Building sets for hobbyists who want something serious to build.
Puzzles
A broad selection of hobby-grade puzzles across themes and difficulty levels. Great for collectors, gifts, and rainy day projects. Many exclusive designs you won't find at big box stores.
Drones, Helis, and Boats
Ready-to-fly drones, RC helicopters, and a huge selection of RC boats across brands and skill levels. Whether you're just getting airborne or hitting the water for the first time, we stock options that actually perform.
The Vault
50 Years of
Warehouse History
Over five decades, IMEX has accumulated one of the most unique hobby warehouses in the country. Vintage models, discontinued lines, rare finds, and collectibles from brands long gone. If you're hunting something from the past, there's a good chance it's sitting on a shelf in Brooksville.
Dealers and Distributors
Always Looking for
Great Dealers
Whether you run a hobby shop, toy store, gift shop, or host hobby shows, we want to work with you. IMEX has been building dealer relationships for over 50 years. We know how to make it work for both sides. If you want to carry IMEX products or have us distribute to your event, reach out.
Visit or Ship To
15391 Flight Path DrBrooksville, FL 34604
