Our Story
Founded in 1955, Scientific France is the oldest French model distribution company.
Now named "Scientific MHD," our company celebrated 67 years of experience in the modeling world in 2022.
The Rise of a Discipline Composed of Enthusiasts
Since the 1950s, modeling has experienced significant growth in which Scientific France has played a part: our company was among the first to import modeling articles.
Gradually, we built a network of retailers to make it easier for French modeling enthusiasts to source supplies. Previously, most modeling articles were manufactured abroad, and it was more challenging to transport products across borders or travel abroad as easily as today.
Over time, our network of retailers expanded to offer all French modelers the articles they needed to satisfy their passion.
Turning a Passion into a Profession: The First Visual Supports of the Modeling World
Scientific France was created at the initiative of Jean Fontaine, who, before venturing into the distribution of modeling articles, had turned his passion into a profession.
Mr. Fontaine was a prominent national and international competitor in free flight (Motomodel and Wakefield). Furthermore, Scientific France was among the first companies to produce modeling catalogs, well before the creation of modeling magazines.
In the first printed catalogs in 1956, one could find Keil Kraft aircraft construction kits, Team Racing circular flight aircraft, spark ignition engines like E.D., Allen Mercury, Elfin, the very first Webra diesel engines, or E.D. radio control sets.
In 1956, the first decorative boat model kits to build and launch by the Constructo brand appeared in the catalogs. Subsequently, imported brands such as Mantua, Billing Boats, Panart, and Mamoli were also featured.
By presenting such references in its catalog, Scientific France positioned itself as the French specialist in wooden boat model construction.
Scientific MHD: A Pioneering Company
Our company was the first importer of the very first Japanese O.S. radio controls, followed by American Bonnair and Kraft radio controls.
Scientific France also exclusively distributed the extensive ranges of O.S Engines thermal engines and Italian Super Tigre engines.
Throughout the 1970s, Scientific France also distributed the first Schlüter and Kavan radio-controlled helicopters.
In 1990, our company became the distributor of Hirobo, the world leader in radio-controlled helicopters.
Until 2010, we distributed Great Planes, Top Flite, and Carl Goldberg ranges from the American distribution giant, HOBBICO INC. In the 1970s, plastic modeling also made its way into the catalog with American brands like Monogram, Revell, Amt, Aurora, and Glencoe.
In 1994, Scientific France's subsidiary, MHD (Maquette Hobby Distribution), positioned itself as the exclusive importer in the French market for the leading plastic aircraft model maker, Hasegawa Seisagusho.
Initially focusing solely on plastic modeling, MHD gradually expanded into Hat figurines, Lifecolor paints, and Die Cast miniatures produced by brands like Kyosho, Rextoys, and BBR. In the early 2000s, Scientific France strengthened its position in the R/C car world.
With the CENRACING brand, we introduced the first ready-to-run R/C cars, providing beginners with an opportunity to delve into modeling without having to assemble their car from scratch.
This collaboration will result in the 1/10 scale replica of the most famous French racing buggy, that of Jean Louis Schlesser, multi-title world champion of rally raids and two-time winner of the PARIS-DAKAR rally.
To this day, this 1/10 scale model remains the best-selling in the history of Scientific France!
It was also during the 2000s that radio-controlled helicopters became popular under the impetus of the brand Esky, which then produced more affordable electric models.
Scientific France will of course distribute the helicopters of the Chinese company.
Year after year, we continue to expand our catalog of renowned brands such as Hobby Boss and Academy, Trumpeter, AMT, ARMA Hobby.
From Scientific France to Scientific MHD
In 2013, Scientific France absorbed the subsidiary MHD to create Scientific MHD.
The two entities thus join forces to meet the new challenges of the modeling world.
That same year, our experience in distributing radio-controlled cars allowed us to develop and produce the MHDPRO range.
In 2018, we also resumed the development and production of the Protronik brand of electric airplane motors.
The strength of Scientific MHD?
The choice of the best products and a wide range of references and accessories that allow us to reach a diverse audience.
With a stock of nearly 20,000 products, we can also cater to all disciplines: radio-controlled modeling, static modeling, beginner or expert levels, and even competition enthusiasts.
This stock also enables us to offer each customer fast delivery. When an item is in stock on our website, we can send it without delay to France and Europe.
We handle the after-sales service of our products ourselves, relying on a passionate and technically competent team that faithfully accompanies the adventure of Scientific France and then Scientific MHD.
Also, it is a team of enthusiasts who wish you a lot of pleasure in practicing your hobby!