Memorial to C. and W. Streil

It all began on July 6, 1948, in Zurich. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the day Christl and Willi Streil laid the foundation for a one-of-a-kind model-making specialty store. And Streil’s core philosophy is still alive and well in the model-making world today—represented by their logo and carried on by their successors.

Many model aviators knew that, during their active years in business, the name C. and W. Streil was the go-to source for motorized, glider, and helicopter models—whether they were plans, kit sets, or ready-to-fly models—and that they also kept the necessary model aviation equipment in stock. In addition, they strongly promoted these three categories within the sport of model aviation and sponsored lucrative prizes. In the CES-Kurier, Willi Streil not only highlighted his latest products and the company’s status as a leading specialty retailer but also addressed the technical and theoretical aspects of model aviation. The business philosophy of C. Streil & Co. was not only to offer its products throughout Switzerland but also to maintain contact with model aviators. These are important principles that shaped the Streil philosophy. In March 1958, Willi Streil wrote the following in the second issue of his CES-Kurier: “We have long felt the need to get in touch with you in some way—not only to familiarize you with the latest products, as we have done so far through our newsletters, but also to provide you with tips and advice, to keep you informed about upcoming competitions, and so on. Short reports on model flying competitions that have taken place, descriptions of particularly good models, and much more will enrich our CES-Kurier. May the CES Courier become what we intend it to be: a link between you and our company, but also a link between all model builders to promote the ideals that model building seeks to realize.”

Even though state-of-the-art model aviation technology is available today and the model aviation scene has changed fundamentally, it is these “idealistic goals” that remain important guiding principles for many modelers and that continue to be lived out and honored in model aviation in the spirit of C. and W. Streil. In this spirit, the Zurich Model Aviation Group will hold a memorial event, “Memorial for C. and W. Streil,” at its model airfield on September 7, 2013, and invites everyone to a friendly model aviation gathering.

It will be a casual gathering featuring powered, glider, and helicopter models. A special highlight, of course, would be if model aircraft pilots who built a Streil model between 1948 and 1990—and whose model is still airworthy today or can be restored to flying condition—would also come forward. Perhaps there are also model airplane kits from that era still lying around gathering dust somewhere that could be assembled. Of course, this also means that model aviators from days gone by will show up to reminisce over a leisurely drink with long-forgotten or long-unseen fellow model aviators. We at MG-Zürich would be delighted if you could join us.

Please register for the Streil Memorial Event with the Zurich Model Flying Group, P.O. Box, 8000 Zurich, by postcard or at www.mgzh.ch.

René A. Schnorf