MG Bern's Vintage Model Aircraft Day in Mühlethurnen

People asked, “How did you do that? What’s this linkage made of? How were you able to fit the control system into the narrow fuselage?” The variety of models was truly impressive: from the modified Kö C, nicknamed “Chuchischäftli,” to the Kwick Fly, Original Marabu, Hummel, Riedstern, Red Zephyr, Falcon, Kadett, Kapitän, and Amateur to various rubber-powered models—in short, over 50 magnificent vintage models stood there in neat rows. People were busily cranking the diesel propellers, and once the carefully maintained little old engines came to life, they’d tweak the compression a bit more or adjust the carburetor by a tiny notch. Model after model soared into the sky. Here and there you could hear someone call out, “Look how beautifully my bird is flying!” It went on like this until the lunch break. The quieter ones used this time to

to get them airborne, whether by electric motor or by launching the gliders with a rubber cord. Fredi Genther’s RC rubber-powered model caught a thermal and completed a flight that lasted nearly an “hour.” Even a colorful hot-air balloon served as

a fine example, touching down with precision right next to the airfield.

The kitchen crew did an excellent job of taking care of our culinary needs; in addition to sausages and steaks, there was a selection of salads available, as well as

Coffee and a variety of cakes were served for dessert. After the lunch break, flight operations resumed. Although it wasn’t technically a competition, Peter Renggli called everyone together at four o’clock for the awards ceremony. In addition to the three winner’s trophies, each participant received a personal souvenir—

The sheet was handed out, along with a freshly burned silver disc—still warm to the touch—containing many photos. The first six participants even received a gift in the form of a gift certificate. Afterward, flight operations resumed until, little by little, everyone

packed up their “belongings” to head back home. Some had traveled from far away to join the people of Bern. And so a beautiful and eventful day came to an end. Shall we meet again next year? Mühlethurnen is definitely worth the trip. It remains for the organizer to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers and the

participants. A huge round of applause and a big thank you to the ladies of the kitchen crew!

*Text: Hans Greising, MG-Täuffelen; Photos: Urs Brand, MG-Bern*