Model airplane flying at the Museum of Transportation? You bet!

The Swiss Museum of Transport is closely connected to our hobby, as evidenced by the permanent “Model Flying” exhibition, which is curated and regularly updated by a working group of AeCS model flying veterans. The video “Scenes from Model Flying” by the IG Foto und Video Modellflug offers a glimpse into the fascinating workings of the static exhibits. (At an SMV presidents’ conference a few years ago, every club in attendance received a copy on DVD for similar events.)
As captivating as model flying may be on video, real models in flight are even more compelling and fascinating. And that was precisely the idea proposed by the Swiss Museum of Transport, which approached the SMV in the spring. The offer was nothing less than the opportunity to use the large inner courtyard for live flight demonstrations and other activities during a weekend in the summer. Despite the space being rather limited for model flying, one thing was clear to everyone: an offer like this had to be seized!
It also quickly became clear that such an event would be best organized by a local club, supported by the SMV’s Communications, Youth Development, and Sports departments. Following a delightfully spontaneous commitment from MG Luzern, the organizing committee, led by President Adrian Bruni, began its work. With a pleasant minimum of meetings, a plan was developed through the smooth collaboration of all involved, which was then successfully implemented on August 15 and 16.

to be allowed to use the courtyard for live flight demonstrations and other activities. Despite the space being rather limited for model flying, one thing was clear to everyone: an opportunity like this had to be seized!
It also quickly became clear that such an event would be best organized by a local club, supported by the SMV’s Communications, Youth Development, and Sports departments. Following a gratifyingly spontaneous commitment from MG Luzern, the organizing committee, led by President Adrian Bruni, began its work. With a pleasant minimum of meetings, a plan was developed through the straightforward cooperation of all involved, which was then successfully implemented on August 15 and 16.

In the courtyard of the Swiss Museum of Transport, against the fitting backdrop of the Swissair Coronado and DC-3, model aircraft enthusiasts demonstrated their skills with electric fixed-wing models as well as electric and turbine-powered helicopters. In the Maritime Hall, visitors had the opportunity to view what is likely the world’s largest scale model glider—Markus Frey’s replica of the Austrian “Elefant”—as well as several other exhibits. For a modest fee of two francs, young people could build and color one of several Depron gliders or try their hand at remote-controlling model aircraft for free on one of several simulators. The exhibition was complemented by an information booth run by MG Luzern, as well as comprehensive information and exhibits on youth development, model aviation, and schools.

Due to the unusually hot weekend this summer, the number of visitors was somewhat limited. Some potential visitors likely preferred swimming in Lake Lucerne or a trip to the cooler heights of the Alps. However, this did not dampen the enthusiasm of anyone involved in the slightest. On the contrary: Initial concrete ideas have already been discussed on how to expand the event even further and make it attractive to the insider scene as an annual event.

The SMV Board and the organizing committee would like to thank everyone involved at MG Luzern, the relevant SMV departments and committees, the AeCS, the participating pilots, and, of course, the Swiss Museum of Transport for this fantastic event. Special thanks also go to the Modellflug Sport Foundation, which provided a large number of free MFS models for the event.

Photos: Reto Schilliger and Urs Gander

• Required floor space for the flight area: approx. 25×35 m (including a perimeter area for pilots)
• Enclose the flying area on all sides with fencing, and do not fly over this fencing!
• Suitable aircraft:
  • Indoor and park flyers, ideally flown to music
  • Scale helicopters (limited to hovering maneuvers. No 3D!)
  • Tethered models (safety radius: 25 m)
• Important: Speakers with some background knowledge to provide interesting commentary
• Also essential here: frequency control or restriction to 2.4 GHz!

Reservations and procurement of all materials through Marco Schnyder, Model Aviation Coordinator at AeCS. Please direct inquiries regarding Depron gliders to the SMV’s Youth Development Department.