80 years of history and a world-class model aircraft competition

The Yverdon-les-Bains Model Aircraft Club (GAM) is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. In 1938, a small group of aviation and model aircraft enthusiasts founded the GAM, built their first free-flight models, and tested them on the slopes of Montélaz. Mr. Waymond Bardel, an honorary member of

our club, will celebrate his 90th birthday at the end of the year. He recalls the good times he spent with his fellow modelers from that era (see box on page 24).

To celebrate the occasion, the GAM is organizing a model aircraft competition on Saturday and Sunday, August 25 and 26, 2018, featuring

international class. This event will take place at the Yverdon-les-Bains airfield, which will be closed to air traffic during the event. On this occasion, about 40

pilots will showcase exceptional model aircraft.

During the two-day event, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., both the general public and aviation enthusiasts will have the opportunity to

in breathtaking demonstration flights. A formation flight demonstration by the famous Red Bull Aerobatic Team, which has traveled from Germany for the event, as well as the

presence of pulse-jet models are part of the program. The program also gives pride of place to the pioneers of modern aviation. A knowledgeable announcer will provide commentary on each demonstration. The flight schedule can be viewed on our website at www.gamyverdon.ch.

In order to reach a wide audience and promote model aircraft flying among younger generations, the Organizing Committee, with the support of numerous regional sponsors, has decided to offer free admission to this event.

Numerous activities at the airfield will round out the program, including helicopter rides, a tour of a U.S. military camp from World War II, and a display of RC models. Throughout the air show, a variety of dining options, suitable for all budgets, will be available to the public. →

Giants (Fokker DR1)...

On Saturday evening, you can enjoy a meal in the canteen while listening to “The Swiss Crossroads Blues Band,” which will help pass the time until nightfall so you can enjoy some spectacular nighttime flight demonstrations featuring model planes decked out with LEDs.

Additional information is available on the club’s website: www.gamyverdon.ch

Additional information:
GAM President:
Alexandre Bornand
president@gamyverdon.ch
cell phone: 079 350 87 92

Mr. Waymond Bardel, 90, an honorary member of the GAM and a former teacher at the Yverdon-les-Bains Vocational Center, recalls.

There were about ten of us, and we were driven by passion. Most of us had limited resources. We built our models in a workshop on Pestalozzi Square using balsa wood planks supplied by a friend who was a carpenter. In any case, in the spirit of the times, entering a competition with a glider bought from a store would have been a disgrace.

We spent the weekends testing our models, usually on the slopes of Montélaz. There were no remote controls back then. Free flight was the norm. With a smile, Waymond recalls the negotiations—sometimes epic—with the farmer who owned the farm below, to retrieve a glider from his roof.

And when asked how the ladies kept themselves busy while their favorite pilot was away, Waymond replies with a mischievous grin: “It was simpler back then! While we were flying, our ladies were making jam.”

(Interview by Alexandre Mischler, a member of GAM)