Huttwil: A Mecca for Model Builders

Huttwil: A Mecca for Model Builders

Markus Nussbaumer

Huttwil, the mecca for “true” model builders of unusual model airplanes, all built as “home-built” models. This year marks the 15th edition of the event. In addition, the MG Huttwil is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Pilots travel from all over Switzerland and even from abroad to this gathering, where they can—and do—engage in high-level technical discussions. The aircraft display area is laid out in a straightforward manner and is accessible to all spectators. The model builders are also happy to provide information about their “model-building masterpieces.” On Saturday, only homebuilt model airplanes were flown. Despite a strong, rather cold east wind—but under sunny skies—a few intrepid model builders flew their masterpieces. This also encouraged other pilots to showcase their models in the skies above Huttwil. However, there are also models to admire that were still in an earlier stage of construction last year and are now nearly complete—or are still awaiting their maiden flight. Fortunately, they are on display nonetheless.

At the “Grüebli,” the pilots enjoyed dinner together. At the MG Huttwil festival stand, they served delicious risotto, along with grilled meat. After the sun disappeared below the horizon, a remarkable night flight show began, thrilling the warmly dressed spectators. Many of the model builders who traveled to the event are sleeping on site in their RVs or tents.

Early Sunday morning, some pilots are already flying again, even though the east wind hasn’t let up much yet. The turnout for the commentated air show is very good.

The MG Huttwil has once again organized a magnificent gathering of homebuilt aircraft.

*Thank you!*

Christian Eggimann, treasurer of MG Huttwil, had no trouble convincing his club to host the DIY car meet 15 years ago. Today, his idea has blossomed into a thriving reality. However, success didn’t just fall into the club’s lap. Ads alone don’t do much, Christian says; it only works through personal connections. Attendance numbers fluctuated—but ultimately, the club’s good reputation and word-of-mouth promotion helped get the whole thing off the ground. At this year’s meet, 50 participants from Switzerland and abroad traveled to the Emmental with around 100 models. The airplanes are displayed and labeled in such a way that spectators can marvel at the craftsmanship up close. Christian Eggimann never misses an opportunity to provide his own commentary on the models’ flights over the loudspeaker. Christian is particularly pleased that young people keep showing up at the meeting with models they’ve built themselves. Christian is convinced that clubs should do more to encourage beginners to get into model building. Unfortunately, there are clubs where nothing at all is happening in this area. As is the case everywhere, a club’s success also depends on its acceptance within the community. For example, the group helped save an old oak tree with a financial contribution. Exemplary! We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the club for its great commitment to model aircraft building.

Gz