SD --> Ace Hobby Models - GREAT NEWS!

[madmax]

Heya Folks!

Some of you have read rumors on FlyingGiants that Ace Hobby Distributors, maker of the legendary Raptor Helicopter line, has acquired SD models, makers of some of the greatest flying models in the industry. In an effort to provide the best, non-speculative information the Giants community, we have an official announcement directly from Ace.

Today, Ace hobby is proud to announce the acquisition of SD Models! This is excellent news that will advance the well known line of Thunder Tiger products. SD Models will now be supported by one of one of the largest hobby distributors in the industry, and we will undoubtedly see this extraordinary product line taken to the next level. It's a great time for us consumers folks!

I've spoken directly with shank bone extraordinare and Marketing Manager, Jeff Fassbinder about this news, and I am personally very excited about this acquisition.

Some of you may know a gentlemen named Rocky McCarter - Rocky has been with Ace for awhile now, and is an accomplished helicopter and airplane pilot. Rocky has been promoted to Team Manager, and will be heading up the newly formed Thunder Tiger airplane product division. He will be working closely with our community regarding the pilot selection process. Stay tuned..

Rocky and Jeff are also personal friends, and local pilots in my area - we wish them success with this exciting news, and to Thunder Tiger as well for their entry into the giant scale market.

Below is a press release from today.

All the best-

Max

	Quote:
	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 26, 2007 Press Release from Ace Hobby Distributors, Inc. We at Ace Hobby Distributors, Inc. would like to inform the giant scale community that Mr. Lao of SD Models and Mr. Lai Chairman of Thunder Tiger Corporation have come to an agreement that Thunder Tiger would own all rights and privileges of former SD production. Therefore, as of September 15, 2007 all production capacity would be converted to Thunder Tiger products. The point of contact from this point on will be Ace Hobby Distributors USA. Thunder Tiger Corporation will continue to expand upon the existing line of production formerly offered by SD Models. Products that are needed by vendors and or consumers should be directed to Ace. Furthermore, Thunder Tiger will utilize the production quality to produce many of its current and newly developed airplanes. Thunder Tiger’s Manufacturing ability combine with SD building technologies will enhance all airplane products from this point on. Quality and reliability that you have grown to trust will be further enhanced for high end 3D applications and applying that to all model types from sport to scale airplanes alike. We further would like to introduce our new Airplane product manager, Rocky McCarter for our airplane product division. In addition to being the product manager of all airplanes, Rocky will be the Team Manager for Airplanes as well. Ace is looking forward to adding this new line of product from Thunder Tiger to our existing line of exclusive products offered by Ace Hobby Distributors, Inc. Any additional information, should be directed to Ace and it respective personnel. Best Regards, Jeff Fassbinder Marketing Manager Ace Hobby Distributors, Inc. Address: 26021 Commercentre Dr. Lake Forest, CA 92630 (949) 900-3300 (949) 900-3301 Fax

[50%plane]

WOW! exciting rumors turned true. I can't wait to see how TT expands the SD line-up in addition to the foamies from Insane.


50%

[Rolling Thunder]

thunder tiger did not buy Insane foamies. Thunder Power bought Insanefoamies.com.

[50%plane]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Rolling Thunder
	thunder tiger did not buy Insane foamies. Thunder Power bought Insanefoamies.com.

My bad.

[Rockoflyer]

If people have any question or are interested in getting planes.I can be contacted by e mail at
Rocky@AceHobby.com

[sweetpea]

I hope this transaction sticks!

I hate to see folks who bought under the previous dealers/comapanies or whatever they were left in the dark for service and parts

[bosshoss]

Pitts-12.....I hope this is the one...

[TrojanMan]

	Quote: Originally Posted by bosshoss
	Pitts-12.....I hope this is the one...

I am with you...

[Mithrandir]

	Quote: Originally Posted by 50%plane
	WOW! exciting rumors turned true. I can't wait to see how TT expands the SD line-up in addition to the foamies from Insane. 50%

Their first new introduction will be a Corbon Starlet for a G62 and a .049 powered Pou de Ciel... I know that thing will 3D 'cuz the whole fwd wing articulates!!!
GO TT!! Rocky.. You Rock Bro!!!

[50%plane]

umm, yea, you know, that really isn't funny.

[Mithrandir]

	Quote: Originally Posted by 50%plane
	umm, yea, you know, that really isn't funny.

Ummm... yea.. you know... Rocky is one of my weekly flying buds... we kid about G62 powered Corbon Starlets all the time.....

[Aling]

First of all, I'd like to say hello to everyone.

Mr. Lao, the owner of SD Model, has been my friend for years. I am aware of his difficulties in TOC airplane production. He's invested a large fortune to help one of his friends in Hong Kong for ARF airplane production. Unfortunately, it was difficult since he knew little about this Industry. Now he realizes how difficult to make ARFs. And he knows if he wants to continue this business, he must have a good managment team for operation, design, production and quality control.

After negotiations and discussions, I decided to have a factory tour at SD-Model. During the visiting, I saw the potential of SD-Model and realized that it's time for a change.

After I took over SD-Model, I knew Mr. Hsu Lung Fa. Mr. Hsu knows a lot about TOC airplane and helped SD-Model for flying tests. But for design, management and training which he mentioned earlier, SD-Model don't think that he involved a lot. Otherwise, SD-Model won't get into this difficult situation.

It is difficult to operate and manage a Hobby business successfully by a modeler. He/she must have sufficient experiences in management for R&D, production, quality control and so on to achieve the business targets.

Therefore, I decided to reorganize SD-Model after taking over. I cleared out all the problems and trashes about 16T which existed at SD-Model for last 4 years. I brought a new management style to SD-Model. It has a clearer and better direction to achieve the business targets. No compromises on quality and performance will be our promise and goal.

I believe that many people wonder why Thunder Tiger starts to involve in TOC products. In fact, I, as the owner of Thunder Tiger, only have one thought which is providing the products with best quality to all hobby enthusaiasts. And this is also the perspective of Thunder Tiger for 35 years.

Thunder Tiger Group will continue to develop the TOC products and provide those existing products from previous manufacturer.

Since ACE Hobby Distributors, Inc. has already issued a press release about the agreement between Thunder Tiger Group and SD-Model on September 26. I, as the owner of Thunder Tiger and ACE Hobby Distributors, hereby announce that I have already assigned Mr. Rocky McCarter (R.mccarter@acehobby.com) as TOC Product Manager and he will be the single contact window for this matter from now on.

Aling Lai

Please refer to the attached photos of the production lines after reorganized by our team.

[cbk07]

Glad to hear that an experienced distributor will be handling these great flying planes now! Good luck with the new venture.

Will TOCExtreme/Troy Built still be a primary importer/distributor or will all planes be purchased through Thunder tiger and its retail suppliers??

[Boulder]

Sounds like one heck of a deal!!

Congrats Rocky!!

[Mithrandir]

Thanks for the insight and I know Rocky personally, I have watched him grow personally over the past three years into a young man who is honorable and with integrity. I know you, Mr. Aling Lai, will be more then satisfied with his dedication to building this aspect of your company and I know Rocky has been anxious to have this opportunity and responsabilitiy!!!