Gathering for Rubber-Powered and CO₂-Powered Model Engines

For many hours, the wind remained calm until the early afternoon on both days. The windsock hung limply. So, after the welcome, the tables were quickly set up and the airplanes were brought to the preparation area. There was no time to lose, because the weather could change at any moment—and the wind could pick up at any time...

After the lunch break, the sun came out both times, and with it the wind picked up at times, though it was still flyable for the larger models. Lighter models were blown off course, and for others, the thermal brake was activated to prevent them from flying away.

At the August meet, this meant that the fenced-in area on the south side, with its trees, exerted a strong pull on the models. However, all models were recovered without any problems, since the key to the area was available. There was no damage during these rescue operations. On the other hand, at both meetings, rubber breaks during launch meant that some interesting models remained on the ground. This happened partly because the rubber bands are sometimes mounted inside the model rather than on the outside.

While some familiar participants were missing (George, Andreas...), new colleagues showed up, and old acquaintances also found their way to Olten. Bruno, who surprised everyone with his Depron models, and Nicola with the 80-year-old fuselage of one of his father’s models. He is now rebuilding it as a replica. In the end, we once again had a wide variety of interesting models and participants at both gatherings, with plenty of flying and chatting among like-minded people. There were interesting conversations among the participants as well as with passersby and visitors, some of whom came to Gheid in Olten specifically for this event. Tips were exchanged, and materials (especially rubber) were shared.

Contrary to all expectations regarding the weather, the events were a success, and everyone is looking forward to the gatherings at the same location in 2024.