Scale Competition in Strakonice, Czechoslovakia

The competition began on Friday at 4:00 p.m. with an orientation session. Of the 24 registered participants, 18 were present. There was one team each from Poland and Switzerland; the remaining participants were from Czechoslovakia.

The models were assembled and stored in a hangar. The construction evaluation was then carried out without the participants present. After a cozy evening, we were ready for bed.

The winning model, the Z 37 Cmelak, from the International Scale Competition (F4) in Strakonice (Czechoslovakia), by Antonin Zedek, Czechoslovakia.

The next morning, the competition results were in. A. Zedek’s Z 37 topped the rankings with 1,687 points. E. Hirt, flying an MB-2, trailed significantly with 183 points, followed closely by the next competitors at intervals of about 40 points, led by W. Rügger in a Po-2, I. Pudelke in a PZL-11, and so on. The consistently high standard of construction was striking.

The flight test on Saturday began right on time with the first round. A random draw had determined that nearly all the top finishers in the build evaluation had the last starting numbers, which added to the excitement. The flying was quite good. The Polish pilot flying the PZL-11 had bad luck; his plane rolled over three times due to landing gear problems. Zedek also had trouble with his Z 37, whose right landing gear broke. Unfortunately, three models were also damaged. In general, many pilots had difficulties with their landing gear. W. Rügger flew a magnificent first flight in the P-2, thrilling everyone with his realistic flight performance and touch-and-go maneuver. Zedek also managed a good second flight. As scheduled, two rounds were flown in beautiful weather.

In the evening, a “wonderful” banquet was held with many guests of honor. On Sunday, the third round was flown, with W. Rügger achieving the best flight of the competition. E. Hirt, along with others, also managed to improve his performance in the third flight.

At 12 noon, the air show began, featuring J. Amman, among others. The awards ceremony was held afterward.

I can only tip my hat to the organizer, as well as to all the participants for their warm hospitality. E. Hirt