Model Aircraft Experts' Gathering 2024

Now, an addition is on the horizon in more financially viable regions, where delivery times are no longer measured “in years.” These models can also be used on steeper slopes. At Choco-Fly/Daniel Aeberli, a compact version of the AN-66 was on display, now available in various colors.

The range of electric impeller-driven propulsion systems is growing ever more extensive: retractable MigFlight-Jetec turbines. At Composite-RC-Gliders, visitors could admire a versatile lineup of modern gliders (Werner Fehn and Sebastian Franken). Urs Leodolter presented the new organizational structure of Leomotion: Mario Rupper is in charge of Leomotion GmbH. Aircraft, RC equipment, and propulsion systems are distributed through this address. This is also the contact address for Leomotion motors. Leomotion Drives AG: Urs Leodolter

will increasingly focus on the design and manufacture of motors (assembled to order). The company also plans to supply corporate customers and the industrial sector. Markus Müller: He is a member of the Leomotion team and is active at Leomotion Drives AG. He is responsible for the RC Calculator for drives, which is available on the website and enables the calculation of drive systems. KB3Aero (Cesare Sarti/Alberto Ferraroni): A project study of a modernized ASK 13 was presented in *Aufwind* magazine, Issue 1/2024. The first

prototype was available for inspection. According to flight tests, the modernizations—carried out with extensive aerodynamic expertise—have all proven successful and are expected to lead to series production at Tomahawk Aviation this year via a second prototype. In the accessories category, the retractable landing gear from WEMO – EZFW GmbH caught our attention. They presented a disc brake for their landing gear, which eliminates rubber wear from the brake pad on the wheel. Additionally, various designs with extended steering knuckles are available. These

increase the ground clearance of the propellers. For more stable takeoffs, wheel units that can be manually moved forward are available; landing is done in the normal position.

The tow coupling appears to be a clever feature: it’s built into the lower part of the fuselage (flat design). It is activated via a Bowden cable, which is triggered by the servo wherever there is still space in the fuselage. This coupling can be equipped with a hook. Based on dimensions provided by the customer to WEMO, the possible—

The various installation options for the landing gear were demonstrated. FW Models offers high-quality model airplanes manufactured in-house (Pascal Heil, Matthias Paul). A beautiful LS 10 was on display. Composite Simmental: Ongoing

further development of the ASW gliders has led to perfection in the field of slope flying (for alpine use). Stich & Faden (Simona Gardemin) presented its protective bags and backpacks for outdoor use. Custom

add-on pouches are available to protect even large console transmitters. Canopy covers in various colors made of stretch fabric round out the selection. 3D-printed applications are increasingly being used: Beat Siegrist and Michael Bucher displayed various prototypes that can be produced efficiently compared to conventional model-making. www.materialize.ch (Antony) showcased examples of designing custom components using 3D printing in combination with mold-making using fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) technology.

As was evident, building models from scratch is once again gaining prominence. When it comes to accessories, there’s almost nothing you can’t find—which makes it easier to bring your own project ideas to life. The only question is where to find the right solutions. Exhibitions like these are by no means a thing of the past; rather, they are important sources of inspiration. They make our hobby more interesting.