National Weather Service Region

The Northwest Switzerland Model Aircraft Fair has long been a staple on every model airplane enthusiast’s calendar. On April 6, 2019, this event—which is popular even beyond the region—took place for the 19th time at the Brislach gymnasium. As early as 7 a.m., the first early birds were already lined up outside the gym, clearly eager to snag the best possible table location so they could showcase their merchandise to its best advantage. But potential buyers weren’t far behind either—after all, no one wants to miss out on a bargain. As usual, the range of merchandise spanned everything from gliders,

powered airplanes, and helicopters to electric motors, internal combustion engines, and small parts of all kinds, right through to remote-control components and complete control systems. A significant improvement in the quality of the equipment has been noticeable in recent years. It’s hard to

find run-down junk anymore. Instead, new items are being offered more and more frequently—especially in the aircraft sector. Here, ready-to-assemble gliders with electric motors and electrically powered, aerobatic-capable model airplanes made of Elapor are playing an increasingly important role. The Brislach Model Building Exchange is also a popular gathering place for the model aviation community. Here, you can exchange ideas with like-minded people and meet colleagues you’ve lost touch with over the years. The Brislach Model Flying Club, which organizes the fair, has always run a small but excellent food stand there. Witty tongues claim that some visitors make the long drive to Brislach just for the juicy steaks and the delicious bratwurst.

By early afternoon, the crowds began to thin out little by little. Some probably wanted to get their “new acquisition” up in the sky that very same day if at all possible.

*Willy Buchwalder,
Brislach Model Aircraft Club*

The Gauset Model Aircraft Club is one of the smaller clubs in the Northwest region. But it has a very nice flying field, and it recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.

This year’s model aircraft exhibition by the Gauset Model Flying Club was dedicated to the club’s 40th anniversary. It was impressive to see what the members of this relatively small group were able to present in the Bretzwil gymnasium

. The approximately 80 models on display represented a cross-section of the group’s model flying and building activities: gliders, powered aircraft, and jets—both state-of-the-art and historic. A real feast for the eyes were, on the one hand, jet models that the builder had constructed entirely by himself—including the mold and everything—and, on the other hand, an Antonov An-2 airframe—built with great skill and patience based on the original plans. But the historic gliders, built by club member Ernst Gerber

, also drew a great deal of admiration.

There was also action on the soccer field. Members of the group demonstrated to visitors what model aviation is all about today—at least as far as that’s possible on the grounds of a soccer field. The turbine demonstration was consequently limited to a pure demonstration of the engine without an actual flight. Everything on display and demonstrated sparked lively conversation among the enthusiastic visitors. The “Fliegerbeizli” provided the perfect opportunity for this, and it was thoroughly enjoyed.

The highlight of the weekend event was the anniversary celebration on Sunday morning, held during a cocktail reception. About 30 guests accepted the invitation, including several prominent figures in the model aviation community. Among those in attendance were “the top model aviator” Adi Eggenberger, president of the Swiss Model Aircraft Association (SMV); Romeo Spaar, president of the Northwest Regional Model Aircraft Association; and Nicolas Spaar, who oversees finances

at the SMV—did not miss the opportunity to raise a toast to the Gauset Model Aircraft Club in Bretzwil. Gauset President Peter Wagner took this opportunity to look back

on the group’s history and describe the club’s current activities. He highlighted the various efforts being made to promote youth development. Romeo Spaar presented

the group with an anniversary trophy on behalf of the regional association.

*Peter Wagner and Roland Schlumpf*