CML Distribution
CML Distribution is a UK-based B2B wholesale distributor and e-commerce retailer specializing in radio control hobby products, distributing over 80 brands to independent model shops and direct consumers across multiple RC categories.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersBromsgrove, United Kingdom
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What CML Distribution does
CML Distribution (legally Central Models Limited) is a UK-based wholesale distributor and direct-to-consumer retailer specializing in radio control (RC) hobby products. Headquartered at Saxon House, Saxon Business Park in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, the company operates as a private limited firm (registration number 2147219) with no parent company, external investment, or public listing. The company's core business is multi-brand RC product distribution, carrying 80+ brand lines spanning RC cars (nitro and electric, off-road, on-road, drift, monster trucks, crawlers), aircraft (RTF/ARTF planes, gliders, jets, trainers, FPV drones), boats, drones and helicopters, tanks and construction models, nitro engines (.12 to .30 displacement), electronics (LiPo batteries, brushless motors, ESCs, servos, transmitters, chargers), and pit kit/tools.
The business operates through two primary channels: a B2B trade distribution network supplying independent model shops and hobby retailers across the UK, and a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront at cmldistribution.co.uk. Brand partnerships include premium racing brands (Team Associated, FTX, HoBao, Corally), value/RTR specialists (UDI RC with 466+ products, RC4WD for crawlers), electronics brands (Reedy, Savox, HobbyWing, Etronix), aircraft brands (Volantex, Xfly, Hubsan), and niche brands (Brother Tank for 1:18 scale military tanks). Supporting the distribution model are digital comparison and selection tools — Drone Compare, ESC Compare Centre, Savox and Etronix Solution Centres — and a Shop Finder feature that directs consumers to local stockists, reinforcing the retail network.
Revenue is generated through hardware sales at recommended retail pricing in British Pounds Sterling, with examples ranging from £24.99 (Voltz LiPo battery) to £459.99 (Team Associated RC10T Factory Team kit). CML also runs its own sub-brand (CML) for hobby accessories including knives, cutting mats, and tool sets, and operates the CML Bodyshop service for bodyshell finishing. Geographic operations are confined to the United Kingdom with no stated international expansion, and the business is owner-operated with no disclosed funding rounds, acquisitions, leadership changes, or restructuring events.
CML Distribution firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CML Distribution
- Legal name
- Central Models Limited
- Website
- https://cmldistribution.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- CML Distribution is a UK-based B2B wholesale distributor and e-commerce retailer specializing in radio control hobby products, distributing over 80 brands to independent model shops and direct consumers across multiple RC categories.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CML Distribution industry classification
Industry- Product category
- RC Hobby Distribution
- akta.pro primary industry
- Hobby & Model Kits Distribution (RC, Scale Models, Miniatures) (CRAOAMAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- RC Model Kits & Parts (Cars, Drones, Boats, Planes) (CRALAKAI), Retail Distribution Centers (Store Replenishment DCs) (TLALAEAA)
Keywords
Where CML Distribution is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bromsgrove
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
CML Distribution business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Wholesale/Trade Distribution: CML Distribution generates revenue by distributing RC hobby products (cars, aircraft, boats, drones, tanks, tools, accessories) to independent model shops and hobby retailers across the UK. Products are sourced from multiple brand manufacturers and sold in bulk to trade customers.
- Direct E-commerce Sales: The company also sells directly to end consumers through their website, offering individual product purchases with pricing displayed in GBP (£).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Individual product retail pricing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels7 records
CML Distribution product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CML Distribution is a UK-based wholesale distributor that supplies radio control (RC) hobby products — including RC cars, aircraft, boats, drones, tanks, construction models, nitro engines, electrics, wheels/tyres, and pit tools — from over 80 brand manufacturers to independent model shops and end consumers across the United Kingdom. The company operates both a B2B trade distribution network supplying independent hobby retailers and a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront at cmldistribution.co.uk, complemented by a Shop Finder tool that connects hobbyists with local retailers stocking CML-distributed brands.
Product overview
CML Distribution operates as a UK-based wholesale distributor and retailer specializing in radio control (RC) hobby products. The portfolio consists of a unified multi-category RC hobby offering rather than a platform-plus-modules architecture. The core products span RC Cars (nitro and electric, including buggies, trucks, crawlers, drift cars, monster trucks), RC Aircraft (RTF/ARTF planes, gliders, jets, trainers, FPV drones), RC Boats (power boats, sailboats, bait boats, scale boats), Drones & Helicopters, Tanks & Construction Models, and Nitro Engines (.12 to .30 displacement). Supporting product lines include Electrics (LiPo/LiFe batteries, brushless motors, ESCs, servos, transmitters, chargers) from brands like HobbyWing, Reedy, and Etronix; Wheels, Tyres & Bodyshells; and Pit Kit & Tools. Key proprietary and distributed brands include FTX (buggies, trucks, boats), UDI RC (466 products including crawlers, buggies, drones like U98 PRO with 4K/3-axis gimbal), Team Associated (competition RC10 and RC8 platforms), Brother Tank (1:18 military tanks), Corally (Voltax 120C LiPo batteries), and RC4WD (crawler specialist). Complementary services include CML Bodyshop (custom bodyshell finishing), Drone Compare and ESC Compare Centre (product comparison tools), Savox and Etronix Solution Centres (servo selection), and a Shop Finder for retail locations. The company is legally registered as Central Models Limited, Bromsgrove, UK.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CML: CML's own brand of hobby accessories including hobbyist knives, cutting mats, and tool sets
Products and services
- RC Cars
- RC Aircraft
- RC Boats
- Drones & Helicopters
- Tanks & Construction Models
- Nitro Engines & Accessories
- Electrics & Electronics
- Pit Kit & Tools
- Wheels, Tyres & Bodyshells
- CML Hobby Accessories (Own Brand)
- CML Bodyshop
- Shop Finder
- HUINA 1/24 Scania 770S RC Truck & Trailer Set RTR
- CEN Racing Reeper 1/10 4WD RTR Brushless Truck
- UDI RC UCX18 Toyota Prado
- Carisma Hyundai I20N Rally1 1:24 RTR
- Xfly Venture 1300mm Trainer
- E-Zee RC 1:43 Drift Cars
Companies that use CML Distribution
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
CML Distribution technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
CML Distribution partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Team AssociatedcoreTeam Associated is a major RC racing brand whose products are distributed through CML Distribution. CML stocks over 2,700 Team Associated spare parts and kits including the RC10 series.
- FTXcoreFTX is a UK-based RC brand offering vehicles, parts, and accessories. CML distributes FTX products including the B4X race buggy, Carnage trucks, and various RTR vehicles.
- UDI RCcoreUDI RC is a Chinese RC manufacturer based in Shenzhen, known for affordable RTR vehicles, crawlers, and drones. CML stocks 466+ UDI RC products including the U98 Pro drone and various crawler kits.
- Brother TankcoreBrother Tank produces detailed 1:18 scale RC tanks including Tiger I, Leopard 2, M1A2, and T90 variants. CML distributes their full tank range.
- HoBaocoreHoBao (HobbyPark) manufactures nitro-powered RC vehicles including buggies, truggies, and trucks. CML distributes HoBao Hyper series products.
- CorallycoreCorally produces high-performance RC vehicles, batteries, and accessories. CML stocks Corally sprint, Furago, and Voltax battery products.
- ReedycoreReedy specializes in batteries, chargers, motors, and electronics for RC racing. CML distributes Reedy Zappers, Stockstar, and Wolfpack battery lines.
- SavoxcoreSavox manufactures RC servos and electronic components. CML features a dedicated Savox Solution Centre to help customers find appropriate servos.
- HobbyWingcoreHobbyWing produces ESCs, motors, and electronic speed controls for RC vehicles. CML stocks HobbyWing products including the WP-10BL60 brushless ESC.
- VolantexcoreVolantex produces RC aircraft including trainers, gliders, jets, and EDF planes. CML distributes Volantex RTF and ARTF aircraft products.
- HubsancoreHubsan is a drone manufacturer known for FPV quadcopters and mini drones. CML stocks Hubsan drones and spare parts.
- RC4WDcoreRC4WD specializes in scale RC crawlers and accessories including hard body shells, chassis, and detailed parts. CML distributes RC4WD products.
- EtronixcoreEtronix produces RC electronics including motors, ESCs, servos, and radio systems. CML stocks Etronix products featuring a dedicated Etronix Solution Centre.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
CML Distribution competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Ripmax: UK-based RC hobby distributor supplying a broad portfolio of brands (electric, nitro, aircraft, boats) to independent model shops and consumers. Most direct UK comparable to CML's wholesale-plus-DTC distribution model.
- Modelsport UK: UK RC hobby retailer and distributor carrying multiple brands across cars, aircraft, and drones. Operates an overlapping trade and consumer model in the same UK market as CML.
- Tower Hobbies: Long-established US RC hobby mail-order and online retailer distributing across cars, aircraft, and accessories. Comparable channel model (DTC plus broad catalogue) and similar target customer (enthusiast hobbyists).
- AMain Hobbies: US-based RC hobby retailer carrying a broad multi-brand catalogue of cars, aircraft, drones, and parts. Direct comparable in product breadth and DTC orientation, though serving a different geography.
- Motion RC: Online-first RC retailer with broad aircraft, car, and accessory catalogue. Comparable in product range and direct-to-consumer focus, complementing CML's DTC channel.
Broad incumbents
- Horizon Hobby: Largest North American RC hobby distributor owning Spektrum, E-flite, and other proprietary brands while distributing third-party lines. Operates the same multi-channel hobby distribution model as CML but at significantly greater scale.
- Tamiya: Major global RC model kit manufacturer with own-brand distribution. Comparable as an RC category incumbent whose products compete with and complement CML's distributed-brand portfolio.
Emerging players
- HobbyKing: Global online RC hobby retailer and house-brand manufacturer with strong direct-to-consumer orientation. Competes with CML's DTC channel on price and product breadth, though with less focus on UK trade distribution.
Regional players
- Schumacher Racing Products: UK-based RC racing car manufacturer and distributor. Comparable as a UK RC industry participant with overlap in the racing-car category CML distributes through partners like Team Associated.
- LRP Electronic: European RC electronics manufacturer and distributor (ESCs, motors, batteries). Adjacent in RC hobby distribution with overlapping product categories (electronics, batteries) that CML also carries.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
CML Distribution social profiles
Digital presenceCML Distribution financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CML Distribution leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
CML Distribution funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CML Distribution M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CML Distribution
What does CML Distribution do?
CML Distribution is a UK-based wholesale distributor that supplies radio control (RC) hobby products — including RC cars, aircraft, boats, drones, tanks, construction models, nitro engines, electrics, wheels/tyres, and pit tools — from over 80 brand manufacturers to independent model shops and end consumers across the United Kingdom. The company operates both a B2B trade distribution network supplying independent hobby retailers and a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront at cmldistribution.co.uk, complemented by a Shop Finder tool that connects hobbyists with local retailers stocking CML-distributed brands.
Is CML Distribution a public or private company?
CML Distribution is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was CML Distribution founded?
CML Distribution was founded in -1.
Where is CML Distribution based?
CML Distribution is headquartered in Bromsgrove, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does CML Distribution make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Wholesale/Trade Distribution is the primary driver. The others are direct E-commerce Sales.
Who are CML Distribution's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Ripmax, Modelsport UK, Tower Hobbies, AMain Hobbies and Motion RC. Broad incumbents are Horizon Hobby and Tamiya. HobbyKing is listed as an emerging player. Regional players are Schumacher Racing Products and LRP Electronic.
Does CML Distribution have an API?
No public API is recorded for CML Distribution.
What industry is CML Distribution in?
CML Distribution's product category is RC Hobby Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAOAMAD, Hobby & Model Kits Distribution (RC, Scale Models, Miniatures), with a secondary code of CRALAKAI, RC Model Kits & Parts (Cars, Drones, Boats, Planes).