If you’re searching for ACS Hobbies, you may be looking for a place where your interests can turn into something more exciting and rewarding. I know how easy it is to feel stuck when you want a new hobby but don’t know what to try first. That’s where exploring different hobby ideas can make a real difference.
Whether you enjoy collecting, crafting, building, creating, or learning something new, you can find a hobby that fits your personality and interests. In this guide, I’ll help you understand what ACS Hobbies is about and what you can explore, so you can discover ideas that make your free time more enjoyable. You may even find a new hobby you never expected to love..
What Are ACS Hobbies?
ACS Hobbies is a family-owned hobby shop located at 374A Mall Circle Drive, Monroeville, PA 15146. The business began with a strong focus on R/C racing and later expanded into model kits, trains, airplanes, boats, gaming, tools, paints, and other hobby merchandise.
The shop’s history is closely connected to R/C racing. According to ACS Hobbies, the business started as a mobile shop supplying parts and kits to racing participants before opening its first brick-and-mortar location in 2019. It subsequently expanded its physical store and online presence as demand grew for additional hobby categories.
Today, the store combines traditional hobby-shop shopping with opportunities to participate in the hobby community.
What Can You Find at ACS Hobbies?
ACS Hobbies carries several distinct hobby categories, making it more than an R/C-only store.
| Category | What You Can Find | Best For |
| R/C Products | R/C vehicles, parts, kits and related equipment | Drivers, builders and racers |
| Model Kits | Gundam, military, ship and other models | Model builders |
| Trains | HO, O and N scale products | Model railroad enthusiasts |
| Gaming | Warhammer 40K miniatures and board games | Tabletop gamers |
| Paints | Model paints and spray paints | Builders and miniature painters |
| Tools & Supplies | R/C and modeling tools | Hobbyists who build or maintain projects |
| Puzzles & Toys | Family-oriented entertainment products | Children, families and casual hobbyists |
These categories are listed by ACS Hobbies as part of its current product selection.
R/C Vehicles and Racing
R/C is one of the defining parts of ACS Hobbies. The store’s origins are rooted in R/C racing, and the business continues to maintain facilities and events for enthusiasts.
The store’s The Rink is described by ACS Hobbies as a mini banked-oval carpet R/C racetrack. It hosts weekly club racing and supports both oval and off-road racing, while also allowing drivers to practice during the week.
For someone interested in getting into R/C racing, this creates an important distinction between simply buying an R/C vehicle and becoming involved in the hobby. A local track can provide a place to practice, observe other drivers, learn setup techniques, and participate in organized racing.
Model Kits
Model building is another major part of ACS Hobbies.
The store carries model kits ranging from Bandai Gundam to military and ship models.
Model building can appeal to people who enjoy detailed, hands-on projects. Depending on the kit, the hobby can involve assembly, painting, detailing, customization and display.
For beginners, the most important consideration is choosing a kit appropriate for their experience. A simpler kit can provide a more manageable introduction than starting with a highly detailed project containing many small parts.
Model Trains
ACS Hobbies also carries model railroad products in HO, O and N scales.
Model railroading can become much more than assembling individual train models. Hobbyists may eventually explore:
- Locomotives and rolling stock
- Track layouts
- Scenery
- Buildings
- Wiring and control systems
- Weathering and detailing
- Themed layouts
- Digital train control
The scale you choose matters because it affects the physical size of models and the amount of layout space you may need.
Tabletop Gaming
ACS Hobbies expanded into tabletop gaming as part of its later growth. Its current selection includes Warhammer 40K miniatures and board games.
This category combines collecting, miniature assembly, painting and gameplay. For someone who enjoys both making things and playing games, tabletop gaming can provide a natural bridge between several hobbies.
Paints and Modeling Supplies
Paints and tools are important for hobbyists who build or customize models.
ACS Hobbies lists paints, spray paints, R/C tools and modeling tools among its available categories.
Buying supplies from a dedicated hobby shop can also make it easier to keep a project going because you can select materials specifically suited to the type of model or activity you are working on.
What Makes ACS Hobbies Different?
One of the most notable characteristics of ACS Hobbies is that it combines retail products with an active hobby environment.
A traditional online purchase gives you the equipment, but a dedicated hobby shop can also connect you with other enthusiasts, racing events and local activities.
ACS Hobbies describes its business as catering to professional hobby enthusiasts while maintaining an old-school hobby-shop atmosphere. Its history also shows a deliberate effort to preserve the R/C racing community that inspired the business.
That makes the store particularly relevant if you are looking for more than a product.
ACS Hobbies for Beginners
You do not need to be an experienced hobbyist to visit ACS Hobbies. The store explicitly positions itself as serving both beginners and experienced hobbyists.
If you are starting from scratch, avoid buying a large collection of equipment before deciding which part of the hobby you actually enjoy.
A better approach is:
- Choose one hobby category.
Decide whether you are more interested in R/C, model building, trains, gaming or another category. - Set a starting budget.
Keep your first project manageable rather than immediately purchasing advanced equipment. - Ask about compatibility.
R/C parts, paints, tools and model accessories are not universally interchangeable. - Start with one complete project.
Finishing a simple project teaches you more about what you need than collecting supplies without a specific goal. - Use the local hobby community.
Watching experienced hobbyists can help you learn techniques that are difficult to understand from product descriptions alone.
Is ACS Hobbies Good for R/C Enthusiasts?
ACS Hobbies is especially relevant to R/C enthusiasts because R/C racing was the foundation of the business.
The store offers R/C products and maintains The Rink, its indoor racing facility. ACS Hobbies says the track hosts weekly club racing, with racing rotating between oval and off-road formats.
The store also provides repair services for electric R/C vehicles and some trains. However, it specifically states that it does not repair gas or nitro vehicles. Repairs are handled at the physical store rather than through an online mail-in service.
That distinction is important if you are considering ACS Hobbies for vehicle maintenance.
ACS Hobbies Events
Events are an important part of the ACS Hobbies experience.
Friday Night R/C Racing
ACS Hobbies currently advertises Friday Nights Under the Lights at The Rink. Racer sign-in begins at 5:00 p.m., with racing scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.; the store notes that the event excludes holidays.
Because event schedules can change, check the store’s current event information before making a trip.
Gundam Card Game Tournament
ACS Hobbies also advertises a weekly Gundam Card Game tournament on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The listed entry fee is $10, with prizes consisting of packs or kits depending on availability.
This gives the store appeal beyond traditional model building and R/C racing.
ACS Hobbies Store Hours
The store’s published hours are:
| Day | Hours |
| Sunday | 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Monday | 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
These are the hours currently published by ACS Hobbies; checking the store’s latest information before visiting is sensible, particularly around holidays or special events.
ACS Hobbies Address
ACS Hobbies
374A Mall Circle Drive
Monroeville, PA 15146
Phone: 412-449-9473
The store describes itself as being in Southwestern Pennsylvania, making it particularly relevant to hobbyists in the Pittsburgh-area region.
Does ACS Hobbies Have an Online Store?
Yes. ACS Hobbies launched its online store at the end of 2023 after expanding its physical location. Its online inventory includes portions of its model kit, gaming, train and R/C merchandise selection.
The store currently ships to all 50 U.S. states, according to its FAQ. Shipping charges depend on the size of the shipment and destination.
For shoppers who are close enough to visit the store, in-store pickup is also available without an added shipping fee.
Can You Return Products to ACS Hobbies?
ACS Hobbies states that only unopened merchandise can be returned, and the customer is currently responsible for return shipping.
This is worth checking before purchasing a hobby item, particularly if you are uncertain about the model, scale, compatibility or version you need.
Does ACS Hobbies Buy Used Hobby Items?
No. ACS Hobbies states that it does not buy used or unused items from the public.
So if you have old R/C equipment, model kits, trains or other hobby merchandise to sell, ACS Hobbies is not currently a buying outlet for those items.
Does ACS Hobbies Repair R/C Cars?
ACS Hobbies repairs electric R/C vehicles and some trains, but it does not repair gas or nitro vehicles. Repairs must be brought to the physical store rather than shipped through the website.
If you have a repair question, contacting the store before traveling is the safest way to confirm whether your particular vehicle or problem falls within its service range.
Who Should Visit ACS Hobbies?
ACS Hobbies may be a good fit for several types of hobbyists:
- R/C racers looking for equipment, parts or a place to race
- Model builders interested in Gundam, military, ship and other kits
- Model railroaders working with HO, O or N scale
- Tabletop gamers interested in miniatures and board games
- Miniature painters who need paints and modeling tools
- Beginners who want to explore hands-on hobbies
- Families looking for puzzles, toys and hobby-related activities
- Experienced hobbyists looking for specialized supplies and a local community
The strongest reason to choose ACS Hobbies depends on the type of hobby you pursue. Someone interested primarily in R/C racing will have a very different reason for visiting than someone looking for a Gundam kit or model railroad supplies.
What Should You Buy First at ACS Hobbies?
There is no single best starter purchase because the right equipment depends on the hobby.
If You Want to Try R/C
Start with a vehicle or kit suited to your experience level and intended use. If racing interests you, learn about the local racing format before investing heavily in specialized equipment.
If You Want to Build Models
Choose one manageable model kit and obtain only the basic tools and finishing materials required for that project. This avoids accumulating supplies that you may never use.
If You Want to Try Model Railroading
Decide on a scale first. HO, O and N are different model railroad scales, so selecting your scale before purchasing track and accessories can prevent compatibility problems. ACS Hobbies specifically carries products in all three.
If You Want to Try Tabletop Gaming
Start with a game or miniature system that genuinely interests you rather than buying a large collection immediately. If miniature painting appeals to you, you can gradually add paints and modeling tools as your skills develop.
ACS Hobbies vs. a General Toy Store
The biggest distinction is specialization.
A general toy store may sell games, toys or basic hobby products, but a dedicated hobby shop is designed around specific enthusiast activities. At ACS Hobbies, the product categories extend into R/C parts, model kits, model trains, paints, specialized tools and tabletop gaming.
The physical hobby environment also matters. ACS Hobbies operates an R/C racing facility and organizes events, giving customers opportunities to engage with the communities surrounding some of its products.
Important Things to Know Before Shopping
A few details can save you time:
- ACS Hobbies does not buy items from the public.
- R/C repair is available for electric vehicles and some trains, but not gas or nitro vehicles.
- Repairs are handled at the physical store, not through an online repair shipment process.
- Online shipping is currently available to the 50 U.S. states.
- Only unopened merchandise is currently eligible for returns according to the store’s FAQ.
- In-store pickup does not add a shipping fee.
- Event schedules and availability can change, so verify current details before attending.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACS Hobbies
Where are ACS Hobbies located?
ACS Hobbies is located at 374A Mall Circle Drive, Monroeville, Pennsylvania 15146. Its listed phone number is 412-449-9473.
What does ACS Hobbies sell?
ACS Hobbies sells R/C products, model kits, model trains, gaming products, paints, tools, puzzles, toys and other hobby supplies. Its model selection includes Bandai Gundam as well as military and ship models, while its train selection includes HO, O and N scales.
Does ACS Hobbies have R/C racing?
Yes. ACS Hobbies operates The Rink, an indoor mini banked-oval carpet R/C racetrack, and advertises weekly club racing.
Does ACS Hobbies repair RC cars?
Yes, but the service has limitations. ACS Hobbies repairs electric R/C vehicles and some trains but does not repair gas or nitro vehicles. Repairs must be brought to the physical store.
Does ACS Hobbies ship?
Yes. The store states that it currently ships to all 50 U.S. states. Shipping costs depend on the shipment size and destination.
Do ACS Hobbies buy used models or R/C vehicles?
No. ACS Hobbies says it does not buy used or unused items from the public.
Does ACS Hobbies sell Gundam products?
Yes. ACS Hobbies carries Bandai Gundam model kits and also advertises a weekly Gundam Card Game tournament.
Are ACS Hobbies suitable for beginners?
Yes. The store explicitly welcomes both beginners and experienced hobbyists. The best starting point is to choose one hobby category and begin with an appropriate project rather than purchasing advanced equipment before you know what you enjoy.
Final Thoughts on ACS Hobbies
ACS Hobbies is a specialized hobby shop in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, with particular roots in R/C racing and a broader selection covering model kits, trains, tabletop gaming, paints, tools, puzzles and toys. Its physical racing facilities and scheduled events also give it a community-oriented dimension beyond ordinary retail shopping.
For an R/C enthusiast, model builder, train hobbyist or tabletop gamer in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the store offers several ways to participate in a hobby: buy the equipment, build something, learn the craft, practice, and connect with other enthusiasts.
If you are shopping from elsewhere in the United States, the online store provides another option, with shipping currently available throughout all 50 states.
I’m Sophia Carter, a writer who enjoys discovering interesting ideas and transforming them into helpful content. At Cognivoora, I write with a simple goal: to make information clearer, more accessible, and genuinely useful for readers. I value thoughtful research, easy explanations, and content that people can trust and return to whenever they need it.
Books:
- The Knowledge Journey
- Understanding the World Around Us