This Connecticut Hobby Shop Is An RC Enthusiast’s Paradise Packed With Model Planes, Helicopters And Kits
A remote-controlled helicopter looks like a harmless little hobby until you realize how much time you could spend learning to fly one properly.
Then you spot the model planes. Well, so much for a quick visit.
Hobby shops have a wonderful way of making grown adults feel like excited kids again, especially when the shelves are filled with projects that require patience and a little imagination.
At this Connecticut hobby shop, RC enthusiasts can explore a world of model aircraft and kits that offer plenty of creative possibilities.
And you don’t have to be an expert to appreciate the appeal.
Maybe you’re looking for something to build over the weekend or hoping to rediscover a hobby you enjoyed years ago.
Wonder what else they’ve got?
That curiosity alone could keep you browsing much longer than planned.
1. A Family Story That Began With A Grandmother’s Middle Name
How does a little toy store turn into a hobby shop that lasts for generations? In this case, it started with a family business and a name that meant something personal.
The story goes back to 1952, when Sherman and Mickey Marcus opened Lee’s Kiddyland on Bank Street in New London with Mickey’s father, Maurice Hendel. Pete Marcus’s uncle, Chic Hendel, later became part of the business too.
Even the name has a family connection. Lee was the middle name of Pete’s grandmother, making that familiar sign a quiet tribute to someone special.
Things took an interesting turn in 1987. Pete Marcus and his business partner, Richard Spendolini, purchased Lee’s Kiddyland and changed its name to Lee’s Toy & Hobby.
The new identity reflected a growing interest in model building and specialized hobbies. Suddenly, the shop’s name sounded just as appealing to adults working on detailed projects as it did to kids shopping for toys.
Today, the Groton business continues under Pete Marcus and Lisa DeVito Marcus, keeping that family connection alive.
More than seven decades after its beginnings, the store still carries a name inspired by Pete’s grandmother. That’s a pretty lovely piece of history for a shop filled with model kits and hobby supplies.
2. Radio Control Fans Get A Whole Section To Themselves
Radio control is the heartbeat of this shop. The store calls itself a full-line hobby shop with a strong focus on R/C.
For anyone who loves things that zoom, flip, or fly, that’s music to the ears.
The RC area sits toward the back of the store. You’ll find vehicles from a range of manufacturers, so you’re not locked into one brand.
That matters when you’re comparing options before spending your allowance or paycheck.
Shopping in person beats guessing from a tiny online photo. You can see the size of a truck, check the box, and ask real questions.
Is it beginner-friendly? Will it survive a curb or two?
Those answers come faster face to face.
Here’s a practical tip for first-timers. Bring a list of what you already own, like your controller or battery type.
Parts and plugs can vary, and a quick check saves headaches later.
Lee’s Toy & Hobby makes RC feel less like a mystery and more like a weekend plan. Pick a vehicle, grab spare parts, and head for the nearest open lot.
Just warn the neighbors first.
3. Your Inner Pilot Will Want To Visit The Plane And Helicopter Shelves
Some kids dream of flying. Others just want to fly something from the backyard while staying firmly on the ground.
Lee’s Toy & Hobby helps with the second plan.
The shop offers RC planes and helicopters, including electric RC helicopters. Electric models are a handy starting point for many new flyers.
There’s no fuel to mix, and charging up feels familiar if you own a phone.
Flying takes practice, though. Helicopters especially can feel twitchy at first, like steering a shopping cart with one wobbly wheel.
Starting small and flying in an open space gives you room to learn without drama.
Planes bring their own thrill. Watching a model glide overhead feels pretty incredible when you’re the one at the controls.
It’s also a great hobby to share with a parent or grandparent.
Ask questions before you buy. Staff at the shop are known for being knowledgeable and helpful.
Tell them your skill level and where you plan to fly. That honest chat can point you toward a model that matches your goals, not just the coolest-looking box on the shelf.
Your future self, and your trees, will thank you.
4. Broke Something? Parts And Service Are Right Here
Crashes happen. That’s basically the unofficial first rule of RC.
The good news is that Lee’s Toy & Hobby provides parts and service for nearly all the products it carries.
That’s a bigger deal than it sounds. Plenty of stores will sell you a shiny new truck.
Far fewer can help when a gear strips or an arm snaps after a heroic jump.
Keeping things running is how a hobby lasts. A broken part shouldn’t mean a broken weekend.
With replacement pieces nearby, you can fix the problem and get back outside.
Repairs also teach you a ton. Swapping a part shows how your machine actually works.
Before long, you’ll understand suspension, motors, and steering better than you expected.
A smart habit is keeping the manual and part numbers handy. Snap a photo of the damaged piece before heading to the shop.
That makes it easier to match exactly what you need.
Think of it like a pit stop at a race. You roll in, sort out the issue, and roll out ready for round two.
Hopefully with a little more caution on that next ramp.
5. Model Kits Fill The Aisles From Battleships To Gundam
Plastic model fans, brace yourselves. The selection covers automobiles, airplanes, ships, and military vehicles.
It’s like a tiny museum, except you get to build the exhibits.
The shop carries Bandai Gundam kits and supplies, often called Gunpla. Those giant robot models have a huge following, and building one can be oddly relaxing.
Snap, trim, repeat, and suddenly you have a mecha on your desk.
Tamiya military kits are also part of the lineup. Tamiya is a well-known name among builders who love detailed tanks and vehicles.
Pair one with some paint, and you’ve got a whole weekend project.
Paints and hobbyist supplies round things out. That’s helpful, because nothing stalls a build faster than missing the exact color you need.
Having materials in one place keeps the momentum going.
New to model building? Start with a simpler kit and work up.
Early builds teach patience, steady hands, and the art of not gluing your fingers together.
Lee’s Toy & Hobby gives builders of every level room to grow. Today it’s a starter car.
Next year, maybe a battleship with a ridiculous number of tiny parts.
6. Trains And Rockets Bring Even More Ways To Get Hooked
Not every hobby needs a remote control. Some chug along tracks, and some blast straight up into the sky.
Lee’s Toy & Hobby stocks both trains and rockets.
Model trains are perfect for patient builders who love details. You can start with a simple loop and expand over time.
Add scenery, buildings, and tunnels, and the layout becomes its own little world.
Rockets are a different kind of fun. Building one is part craft project and part science lesson.
Then comes launch day, with a countdown that makes everyone hold their breath.
Safety matters with rockets, so follow the instructions closely. Launch in a big open field, far from trees and power lines.
Bring a friend to help track where it lands.
Both hobbies are great for families. A parent and child can plan a train layout together over many months.
Rocket launches make an easy outdoor afternoon with plenty of cheering.
It’s easy to wander from one hobby to another here. You might come in for an RC part and leave dreaming about a railroad in the basement.
Consider yourself warned, and maybe clear some shelf space.
7. Old-School Toy Bins Make Grown-Ups Feel Like Kids Again
Old fashioned toy store with modern hobbies. That’s how the shop describes itself, and it fits nicely.
The place keeps the character of a classic neighborhood toy store.
Familiar toy bins and packed shelves help set the mood. Browsing here feels more like a treasure hunt than a quick errand.
Every corner seems to hold something you didn’t know you wanted.
That feeling is getting rare. Big stores often look the same from town to town.
A long-running family shop brings its own personality, shaped by decades of choices about what to stock.
Many customers who came as kids now return with their children and grandchildren. Think about that for a second.
The same store that sparked a parent’s first hobby might spark a grandchild’s too.
For families, that makes a visit feel special. Grandparents can point out what they used to build.
Kids can show off what grabs their attention today.
Lee’s Toy & Hobby doesn’t try to be flashy. It sticks to good selection, friendly help, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Sometimes the old way of doing things is still the best way, especially when toy bins are involved.
8. Lego, Warhammer, Coins, And A Whole Lot More For Everyone
Lego, Playmobil, games, coin supplies, metal detectors, Warhammer, science supplies, plush toys, and sports cards. That’s not a random list.
That’s an actual snapshot of what this shop carries.
The goal is simple: something for everyone in the family. So while one person studies RC trucks, another can browse puzzles or board games.
With so many different hobbies represented, family members can usually find something interesting to browse.
Warhammer fans can find miniatures to build and paint. Coin collectors can grab supplies to protect their favorites.
Curious kids might spot a science kit that turns a quiet afternoon into an experiment.
Metal detectors are a fun surprise in a toy shop. Connecticut’s beaches and parks make treasure hunting tempting, though you should always check local rules first.
Bottle caps count as treasure, right?
Sports card collectors get options for basketball, baseball, hockey, and football. Opening a pack still brings that classic little rush of hope.
Lee’s Toy & Hobby works as a gift stop too. Birthday coming up?
Holiday list growing? With this much variety under one roof, finding something thoughtful gets a whole lot easier.
9. Plan Your Trip Around These Easy Visiting Tips
One model kit can easily turn into an hour of browsing. Especially when the shop has enough interesting supplies to make choosing just one project a challenge.
That’s part of the appeal of Lee’s Toy & Hobby in Groton, a longtime favorite among people who enjoy building models and working on hands-on projects. The business has been part of Groton Shoppers Mart since 1962, giving it a history that stretches back generations.
Planning your visit is worth a little thought. The store is closed on Tuesdays, while Fridays offer a longer shopping window.
Weekend hours are shorter, making an earlier visit a good idea when you want time to browse.
During the holiday shopping season, the shop traditionally extends its hours between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
There’s also a nice opportunity to turn the visit into a longer outing. Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park is roughly a mile and a half away, offering a chance to explore some local history after shopping.
The hobby store itself occupies 935 Poquonnock Road, Groton, CT 06340, inside Groton Shoppers Mart.
Bring along questions about your next project or parts you’re hoping to replace. With so many possibilities on the shelves, the real challenge might be deciding what to work on first.
