HAPPY IS THE ONE WHO MAKES IT

Of course, the “OldGlide” kits also need some additions. That said, the kits are very reasonably priced. Gregor Hochstrasser built the entire model—including the fabric covering—in a year and a half. The result: a masterpiece that, in its understated elegance, is hardly inferior to modern “exotic” models. Builder Gregor Hochstrasser describes the “kit” as consisting of countless milled parts made of plywood and balsa.

It’s no secret that, despite the assembly instructions, these kits always require a bit of improvisation and a great deal of experience. Preparation is key: You’ll need a sturdy base plate and, on top of that, an equally sturdy support frame for the fuselage. The fuselage has a surprisingly delicate structure and must be properly stabilized to prevent it from warping. It’s better to steer around curves than to build them in. Anyone who wants to advance their skills in model aircraft construction will, sooner or later, tackle such a wonderful project. After all, the private production of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) fuselages has become a rarity these days. 3D printing is likely to be a game-changer in this area in the coming years. Unfortunately, buying ready-to-fly models alone results in a significant loss of know-how, which is likely to diminish both the social (education and training) and sporting significance of model aviation. We never learned. Good luck to anyone who manages it.

The history of the Alexander Schleicher glider factory is vibrant and rich in variety, tracing its evolution from a small artisan workshop to a medium-sized company in Poppenhausen at the foot of the Wasserkuppe. The world’s oldest glider manufacturer and the key milestones in the company’s history: Alexander Schleicher worked as an aircraft carpenter at Weltensegler GmbH on the Wasserkuppe, and later at the Martens Gliding School and the Rhön-Rossittengesellschaft. Source: Schleicher