FROM FRUSTRATION TO MY OWN STOCK MARKET

Anyone who wants to buy and sell used RC models is familiar with the problem: one platform is too expensive, another is far too confusing—and on the big general marketplaces, you get lost in the crowd. Stefan Bieri, secretary of the Furttal Model Flying Club, had had enough of it.

Earlier this year, Stefan approached his clubmate Christian Weber—who is known as the club president and an IT expert—with a seemingly simple question: “Can’t we somehow do this better ourselves?” Christian, who had had the same experiences with the existing platforms, was quickly convinced. The idea was born.

What followed was an intensive project undertaken in their free time: In about two months, after work and on weekends, the first version of Modellbauboerse.ch was created. Christian handled the technical implementation thanks to his IT background, while Stefan took care of the legal aspects at the same time—data protection, terms of use, everything a reputable platform needs.

Before the site went live, the duo asked a few friends from the club to test the platform. Their feedback helped fix the last few bugs and refine the user experience. A real-world test by real model builders.

The platform’s motto sums it up: “By model builders, for model builders.” Stefan and Christian emphasize that they aren’t in it for profit, but rather to offer all enthusiastic model builders an affordable way to pursue their hobby. Used models

are meant to reach true enthusiasts—in a simple, well-organized, and affordable way.

The platform is aimed not only at RC pilots, but at all model-building enthusiasts: model trains, RC cars, RC boats, and much more. This creates a central hub for a community that was previously scattered across many different channels.

The model-making marketplace recently went live, and the first listings are already online. Stefan and Christian are now working to promote the platform—including at model-making trade shows, where they seek to speak directly with sellers and buyers. Anyone who’d like to try out the platform—whether to buy or sell—is welcome to visit www.modellbauboerse.ch. Posting listings is free.