Founded in 2001, Kit Cutters has been part of the radio-controlled aircraft building community for more than two decades. What began as a specialized laser-cutting service for model aircraft builders has grown into a trusted source for precision laser-cut short kits for large-scale and giant-scale RC aircraft.

Today, Kit Cutters LLC is a veteran-owned family company located in Toledo, Washington, proudly serving builders who value accuracy, craftsmanship, and the tradition of building model aircraft from plans.

At Kit Cutters, we understand that a great model starts with accurate parts. Our goal is simple: provide clean, precise, reliable laser-cut short kits that help builders spend less time cutting parts by hand and more time doing what they love — building and flying.

Kit Cutters was originally founded in Southern California and became known among RC modelers as a laser-cutting resource for builders working from aircraft plans. For years, the Kit Cutters name represented accuracy, craftsmanship, and support for traditional model aircraft construction.

In 2020, that legacy entered a new chapter.

Bob Martin, Vic Goodman, and Jon Johnson acquired the assets of the original Kit Cutters Inc. from former owner Joe Hrkel in Huntington Beach, California. The team loaded the equipment, plans, materials, and history of the company into a rented truck and brought it back to Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

That moment marked more than a business transaction. It was a passing of the torch — from the original Kit Cutters Inc. to the group that would carry the name forward for a new generation of RC aircraft builders.

Rebuilding Kit Cutters

After the company's equipment and materials were moved to Arizona, the new Kit Cutters team began the work of rebuilding and modernizing the business.

The timing was challenging. The COVID-19 pandemic began almost immediately after the move, slowing planning and making collaboration more difficult. Even so, the team stayed committed to the vision: preserve the value of the original Kit Cutters while building a modern laser-cutting service for today's RC aircraft builders.

Much of the early work involved sorting through plan files, scanning drawings, verifying sizes, tracing parts, organizing materials, and preparing cut files. This is detailed work, and it takes both technical skill and a builder's understanding of how the parts will eventually come together on the workbench.

That builder-focused approach still guides Kit Cutters today.

Built for Serious RC Aircraft Builders

Kit Cutters serves modelers who enjoy the challenge and reward of building substantial aircraft projects. Our catalog focuses heavily on large-scale and giant-scale radio-controlled aircraft across multiple categories:

These are not quick weekend foam models. They are serious projects for builders who appreciate accuracy, history, craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of seeing a model come together from a set of plans and a carefully prepared kit.

Whether you are building from a classic design, restoring an old project, or starting a new large-scale aircraft, browse our full catalog to find the short kit that fits your next build.

Today, Kit Cutters LLC is proud to be a veteran-owned family company.

That means we take our responsibilities seriously — to our customers, to the hobby, and to the legacy of the aircraft plans and designs we help preserve. We believe in honest communication, careful work, and treating each builder's project with respect.

We know that many of our customers invest months, sometimes years, into their builds. A short kit is only one part of that journey, but it is an important one. Our goal is to provide parts that help builders start with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a short kit for RC aircraft?

A short kit is a set of precision laser-cut wooden parts — typically AAA-grade balsa and high-quality aircraft plywood — based on a set of aircraft plans. Unlike a full kit, it does not include hardware, covering, or electronics. It provides accurately cut structural parts so builders spend less time cutting by hand and more time building and flying.

Who owns Kit Cutters?

Kit Cutters LLC is owned and operated by Vic Goodman, a veteran and lifelong RC modeler who became the sole owner and operations lead in 2025. The company was revived in 2020 by Vic Goodman, Bob Martin, and Jon Johnson, who acquired the assets of the original Kit Cutters Inc. from Joe Hrkel in Huntington Beach, California.

Where is Kit Cutters located?

Kit Cutters LLC is currently located in Toledo, Washington. The company was originally founded in Southern California, revived in Lake Havasu City, Arizona in 2020, and relocated to Toledo, Washington in 2025.

When was Kit Cutters founded?

Kit Cutters was originally founded in 2001 in Southern California. In 2020, a new ownership group acquired the company from original owner Joe Hrkel. In 2025, Vic Goodman relocated Kit Cutters to Toledo, Washington as a veteran-owned family business.

Is Kit Cutters veteran-owned?

Yes. Kit Cutters LLC is a veteran-owned, family-operated business. Owner Vic Goodman is a veteran who took over daily operations in 2025 and runs the company from Toledo, Washington.

What types of RC aircraft kits does Kit Cutters offer?

Kit Cutters offers precision laser-cut short kits for large-scale and giant-scale RC aircraft including warbirds (fighters and bombers), civilian and transport aircraft, gliders and sailplanes, biplanes, trainers, racers, and seaplanes. The catalog features designs by Nick Ziroli, Jerry Bates, Jim Pepino, Wendell Hostetler, and other well-known RC aircraft designers.

What materials does Kit Cutters use for short kits?

Kit Cutters uses precision laser-cut balsa wood (AAA-grade) and high-quality aircraft plywood. All parts are cut from carefully selected sheet stock and are based on verified digital plan files prepared by the Kit Cutters team.

Does Kit Cutters ship across the United States?

Yes. Kit Cutters LLC is a USA-based company located in Toledo, Washington, and ships orders to customers across the United States.