10 + 1 = Rubber-Powered Model Airplanes in Switzerland

Until 2011, rubber-powered model aircraft flying in Switzerland led a rather low-key existence. The exceptions were F1B and F1D (indoor flying) and F1G (Coupe d'Hiver), which were—and still are—very actively pursued. Otherwise, rubber-powered models were rarely seen and only within small circles. This changed in 2011, when Fredi Genther invited participants to the first official rubber-powered model gathering at the Frauenfelder Allmend on March 9. The three of us (Hansruedi Zeller, Fredi as the organizer, and the author) gathered at the Allmend in sunny but cold weather. In previous years, there had been a few spontaneous gatherings organized on short notice. Today, 10+1 years later, this small group has grown into a fairly large community of like-minded enthusiasts who fly an equally wide variety of models. The range extends from simple beginner models and kit-built models to multi-engine, self-designed models. Historical models and those built from plans are just as well represented as custom designs. The list of interested parties and participants currently includes 43 names. The number of participants at the gatherings fluctuates

between 10 and 14 active participants. Early on, it was agreed to hold friendly gatherings without competitions and to avoid the fixed structures of a club or interest group. This decision has proven successful to this day.

Until fall 2015, the Allmend in Frauenfeld served as the venue for the meetings. When the site was placed under conservation protection in the spring of 2016, finding a solution proved

hard to come by, and the promising revival of the division was more than just in jeopardy. Thanks to a fellow member’s connections in manned aviation, the group has been hosted by SG Olten since fall 2016. Since then, the rubber-powered model aircraft meetings have taken place in the fall at the “Gheid” airfield in Olten after the flying season ends. Yes, we were even given the opportunity to hold a meeting in the summer as well, when SG Olten is at its gliding camp

. So I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank SG Olten and its board on behalf of all participants for granting us hospitality and for their cooperation. The spring meetings were always held at different locations, as members were able to use their connections with landowners to organize a gathering. This is something that cannot be taken for granted.

Three meetings were scheduled for 2022, but the spring meeting, planned for Rafzerfeld, was literally blown away by the wind! Stormy Bise winds forced the organizers to cancel the event. The Bise and westerly winds also spoiled the fun at the summer and fall gatherings. Flying did take place—and was possible—but not every model emerged unscathed. Tree landings, long walks back to retrieve models, and even the loss of models that flew out of sight had to be accepted. This resulted in search operations lasting hours, even days. It was only thanks to the persistence of the search teams that all the models were eventually returned to their owners. For all participants—whether active or just spectators—the two events that did take place were a complete success, and everyone is looking forward to the events in 2023.

For years, some participants have been flying CO2-powered models alongside rubber-powered ones. This has added variety to the events. Both are free-flight categories, and the models differ only in their propulsion systems. Surveys and discussions among the participants have led to, starting from

In 2023, we plan to officially approve these models as well and change the name of the events to “Events for Rubber-Band and CO2-Powered Models.” All photos used to illustrate this post are from the 2022 events.

Information about our group and photos from the events can be viewed on our website (www.gummimotor.ch); contact us at gummimotor@bluewin.ch.