Renovation and Electrification of the MG Täuffelen

It had been seven years since the last renovation of the slope, and the club trailer hadn’t been renovated in quite some time either. For these reasons, and with the idea of installing a solar power system, a comprehensive renovation was approved at the general meeting.

Starting with temperatures that were still very cold in March, the runway was cleaned for the first time after work, since it’s generally still in good condition and doesn’t need to be replaced. What started with a little water and some brushes ended late in the evening with 2,000 liters of water used and everyone feeling very tired. While the runway often seems too short when flying model planes, you’re amazed at just how long it actually is when you’re cleaning it.

Tip: Stubborn dirt can almost only be removed from the rubber runway with a high-pressure washer. It’s best to work with two high-pressure washers at once, which, depending on the model, can draw water from a tank. Due to the mossy ground and sandy subsoil, our runway had become very uneven and needed to be leveled. To do this, we decided to incorporate 10 metric metric tons of sand—in addition to the existing sand—under the runway to achieve as level a surface as possible. The entire runway was rolled out early in the morning. Next came the important and meticulous planning and measuring. We used taut strings to try to adapt the track to its surroundings as closely as possible. The sand was then spread by our hardworking members and leveled with several screeds. This gave us a very satisfactory result.

Tip: If only sand can be used as a base, it’s a good idea to place a geotextile underneath. This prevents the sand from seeping into the ground and keeps the court from becoming uneven as quickly.

What could be better than enjoying a cool drink on a beautiful, warm day while the batteries are charging? With this goal in mind, we decided to tackle the electrification of our property.

Our club trailer is located far from any power source. Since solar systems are now available at reasonable prices, we decided to purchase a complete system. It was important to us to choose a system tailored to our needs that also allows for future expansion. We therefore installed two latest-generation 100-W panels, which no longer cause any reflections. The solar controller then manages the charging process for the generous 280-Ah battery. Its enormous capacity is now sufficient to charge several large batteries even on days of heavy use, while still providing enough energy for other appliances.

A compressor-powered cooler keeps our drinks cold. It was important to us to purchase a well-sized cooler that offers plenty of space while consuming as little electricity as possible. Our cooler has a capacity of 55 liters and is constantly restocked with fresh beverages. It cools very quickly, ensuring everyone gets a cold drink without using too much energy.

Our solar system has proven itself exceptionally well and offers great added value for our members. The dream of enjoying a cold drink while simultaneously charging the battery has thus come true.

Tip: It’s worth spending a little extra on the cooler, since good insulation drastically reduces power consumption on hot days.

Our club trailer is a converted construction trailer that, while beautifully finished on the inside, requires a lot of maintenance on the outside due to weather exposure. The wooden walls had to be replaced—or at least painted—every few years. That’s why we wanted to replace them with high-quality, low-maintenance Alucobond panels.

First, however, we repainted the roof. Then we removed the old wooden walls and carefully measured everything. The high-quality panels were carefully cut to size and fitted so that all that was left was to install them. Thanks to the support and guidance of a colleague who owns a company specializing in similar work, we were able to complete the renovation in just 1.5 days with virtually no issues. The result is outstanding.

Tip: Additional components such as the roof, doors, or window frames should be painted before installation, if necessary, to avoid soiling the beautiful panels.

Thanks to financial support from the Swiss Model Aircraft Association (SMV) and the Aeroclub, we were able to reduce the club’s expenses for the entire investment. The Täuffelen Model Aircraft Group would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the SMV and the Aeroclub for their generous contribution toward the costs and for their excellent cooperation. Our club’s cohesion was strengthened by the entire project and by the association’s involvement. Thanks to the excellent help from our members, the various renovations were carried out effectively. We are very satisfied with the result. Every member benefits from this. Now, thanks to its modern and sustainable infrastructure, our airfield truly does justice to its beautiful location. We look forward to the coming seasons!