Building Bridges to the Public – Model Making 2023

“Modellbau 2023” is the name of an exhibition that will take place in northwestern Switzerland from November 24 to 26. It aims to build a bridge to the local community and focus on the field of model building. The focus is not primarily on model aircraft flying, but rather on model building in general.

Preparations by the two organizing model aircraft clubs, Brislach and Breitenbach, are in full swing; the public and the model-building community have much to look forward to. Model aircraft flying takes place outdoors and thus in public. Anyone can watch and enjoy it. Je-

Anyone can join in if they want to. Model building, on the other hand, largely takes place away from the public eye: in the basement, in the hobby room, in the garage, or at a clubhouse. With the “Model Building 2023” exhibition, the two model aircraft clubs aim to bring the often remarkable results—and, not infrequently, true gems of model-building craftsmanship—to the public’s attention.

The event, taking place November 24–26 in Breitenbach across an exhibition area of over 1,200 m², marks the anniversaries of the model aircraft clubs in Breitenbach (Schwarzbubenland) and Brislach (Laufental). Both groups have experience with model aircraft exhibitions. They have joined forces for “Modellbau 2023.” Both are active and welcoming groups, which is why this cross-club collaboration comes as no surprise. They are documenting the

Cohesion and the strong structure of model aviation in northwestern Switzerland. The two groups—comprising Romeo Spaar, Pascal Schmidlin, Marius Schmidlin, and Hans-Peter Jeremann—also form the core of the broad-based and highly competent organizing committee.

The exhibition also covers a wide range of topics, featuring not only model airplane enthusiasts but also builders of scale-model boats, model trains, commercial vehicles, and hydraulic machinery, who showcase the results of their wonderful hobby. The focus is not on the building process itself, but on the finished products. Incidentally, many spend far more time in their hobby rooms building models than they do outdoors engaging in their model-related activities. “Modellbau 2023” thus offers a glimpse into an important part of their hobby. Since 2004, “Modellbau 2023” has been the first exhibition of its kind in the Northwest—

Swiss model builders offer the public the opportunity to admire up close and at their leisure what usually just flashes by. Both the core and the broader model-building communities are well represented. In addition to a wide variety of clubs from different disciplines exhibiting their own models, there are sales and information booths run by major commercial suppliers from the region and throughout Switzerland. The Dittingen Gliding Club is also represented and invites visitors to try out a seat in an LS4. Members of the Basel AeCS Balloon Group explain their sport using a basket and various pieces of equipment. Of course, the Swiss Model Flying Association (SMV) is also present, as is the Aeroclub Regio Basel (ARB).

Finally, the attractions include flight simulators and a craft corner for children. In addition, a Youth Cup flying competition will take place during the exhibition, featuring simple model airplanes that participants can build themselves under supervision. This gives children and teens the chance to showcase their skills in model airplane building and win great prizes

win over. So, the groundwork for building a connection with the audience has been laid. The two model flying clubs in charge are looking forward to connecting with interested groups who have had no prior experience with model building. This is a great opportunity to strike up a conversation and discuss model aviators’ responsible approach to nature and the environment, as well as relevant safety issues.

While dialogue between hobbyists and experts is a stated goal of “Modellbau 2023,” there will also be plenty of opportunities for like-minded enthusiasts to talk shop and foster camaraderie. The festival food and drink area will be open for both activities throughout the three days of the exhibition. This should highlight the fact that while model building is a small world, it holds a great deal of fascination. It is, therefore, a regional event created by the region for the region—one that is intended to bring joy not only to the model-building community but also to people beyond the region.

[www.modellbau2023.ch](http://www.modellbau2023.ch)