Memories of Ed Kazmirski came flooding back

For the second time, Retroday was held at the Dübendorf airfield to commemorate the first F3A World Championship in 1960. This time, the event took place at the MV Pfäffikon airfield. Organizer Urs Leodolter ensured a varied program of flights and flawlessly run food service.

F3A Retro Models – Built from Plans or Purchased as Kits

To bring all the models designed by the famous engineer and first World Champion, Ed Kazmirski, back to the airfield, Guido Patroncini has recreated all of these aircraft—some of which are very well known—as retro models. Thus, models such as the Simla, Taurus, Orion, Tauri, and all the others could be seen in perfect condition both on the field and in the air. Other retro aircraft, such as the Caravelle and the Kwick Fly MK 3, have since been released by Graupner as ARF models and were therefore also present in airworthy condition.

Original F3A models—now very rare, and even demonstrated in flight here

Even more fascinating for former World Championship participants were the original F3A models. Ernst Dällenbach flew an original Marabu, performing several maneuvers from the F3A aerobatics program. Emil Giezendanner brought a Scorpion—which has since been electrified—to the field and demonstrated its very elegant form in flight and its excellent gliding characteristics during a landing on a relatively short runway. Peter Müller demonstrated the Tri-Pacer, powered by a very rare diesel engine. The long antennas on the transmitter and receiver further enhanced the sense of authenticity.

A wonderful atmosphere filled with nostalgia

In addition to the numerous flight demonstrations, which stirred feelings of nostalgia for times long past in some spectators, there was also a small

Visitors could marvel at an exhibition featuring historic R/C setups and original issues of magazines from the 1980s. Numerous eyewitnesses in attendance—including the legendary Kö, now 86 years old—vividly described model aviation as it was back then. The picnic benches at the shady edge of the forest, along with delicious cake and coffee, invited participants to linger comfortably in the afternoon amid a very friendly atmosphere. To round out the day, there was just one more important—

One question remains: When will the third Retroday take place? Note: Many more photos from this event can be found online at www.telesys.ch.

Hermann Mettler