Model builders’ haven is a North Main institution

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This article was published 18/09/2013 (4581 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A P-51 Mustang is suspended from the ceiling at Cellar Dweller Hobby Supply Ltd., located at 1560 Main Street in a small strip mall.

The realistic replica of the U.S. built long-range, single-seat fighter/fighter-bomber comprises part of the store’s silent balsa wood air force — either fully assembled and hanging down from on high, like the mighty Mustang, or else in boxes waiting to be built by hobbyists.

“The staff here are friendly, courteous and more than happy to help you,” says customer Randy Fedorchuk.

He then points to a sleek, S Bach 342 aerobic plane, with a black-and-white thunderbolt pattern and an 87.5-inch wing span, which he purchased at the shop and stores there during the winter.

“I’m still working on it and, hopefully, will fly it later this summer,” Fedorchuk continues, noting his 80-inch long model is powered by a DLE 55 cc gas engine.     

“We are a full time, full-line hobby shop specializing in radio-control modelling,” says owner Kerry Fingler.

“We carry a full line of radio-control kits, engines, radio systems and accessories. We also carry a large selection of plastic models, model rockets, die-cast cars, free flight and control line kits, slot car sets and accessories, kites, NASCAR collectibles, and science and activity kits.”

Gerry Fingler, Kerry’s father, founded the company in 1972 on the second floor of a building that housed the old Miracle Bakery on the northeast corner of Bannerman Avenue and Main Street.  

“We chose the name ‘Cellar Dweller’ because most of our customers spend a lot of time in their workshops which are usually in their basements, i.e. cellar dwellers,” Kerry says.

“Our business philosophy today is the same as it was in 1972, simply put, to provide quality products at a fair price and back-up the product with a knowledgeable and experienced staff.”

Fingler notes that he’s been around the hobby all his life.

“I worked at Cellar Dweller with my dad since 1976, first part-time while attending school and then full-time after attending Red River College,” he says.

Fingler says he and full-time employees Jim Holland and Bret Edel are all active model airplane hobbyists.

For further information, call 204-589-2037, or visit cellardwellarhobby.ca