Recommendations, please.

[StefanJ]

I like to support local hobby shops, but it is hard to find certain items in stores. Tammie's used to have colored tissue and rubber "motors," but dropped them a while back. Their "dope" selection is pretty minimal. That's likely true of all but a few specialty shops, so if you need something special, you hit the Web.

I think you'll find Tammie's kit selection OK though. It couldn't hurt to call ahead to see if they have something specific.

There are several Goodwill shops in that area. I mention this because these often have cork bulletin boards suitable for build-boards. (I bought my first board at Goodwill . . . since then I FOUND three or four more, left out in "take me" piles by people vacating their apartments. If they weren't so cheap and available I'd offer you one for your pops.)

[Pauli72]

Dear Janis,

I just wanted to recommend that you shop the "mom & pop" or small hobby business retailers where you can. Unfortunately most of these small hobby businesses are now out of business or in financial trouble, all across the country. It's kind of sad.

All the best for getting your dad sorted out with this project. I think it's really great that you're doing this for him.

All the best,
Pauli72

[SteveM]

Janis,

Forget about Coyote Hobby for Guillow's kits, I called and he doesn't have any in stock. They probably do have tools and building supplies though. On my way home from work I stopped by Tammie's as I was already 1 block away on another errand. They have several Guillow's kits including the 400 series P-40, P-51, and Zero. All three were the newer laser cut version and were only $40. The P-40 nearly followed me home, but then I reminded myself that I was in the middle of a hardwood flooring project and needed all my money for that. Tammie's also has the other tools and supplies you'll need as well.

Typically I buy kits online as they are cheaper, one of the best places being AC Supply. They are just over $35 for a 400 series kit and since your order would be under $100 the $12 shipping charge would make it cost more than Tammie's. They do have tools and supplies though so if you got everything from them you might save enough to counter the shipping cost. Another place I like to buy tools and supplies from is Hobbylinc, but I'm not sure if they even stock Guillow's kits as they all show a 3-4 day shipping delay.

I didn't mention Tammie's before because I thought Coyote Hobby would have all you needed and are a lot closer to Milwaukie than a trip down 217 to Canyon (I averaged 5 MPH on 217 this afternoon). I also thought Tammie's didn't have a very good selection, but their current supply is pretty decent so you might stop in and ask them to help you find all the stuff you need.

[Janis]

Pauli and others: I like the idea of supporting the hobby stores, when possible. So I am loving that lead on Tammies Hobbies from Stefan. Thanks for doing the research for me, Steve!

I noticed there is a free shipping code supposedly available for hobbylinc. Not sure if it is working, but worth a try if anyone needs to place an order on otherwise unavailable supplies.