Rubber-/CO2-Powered Model Meet, October 10, 2026, Olten “Gheid,” Switzerland

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We've had such great flying weather these past few days! We'd even asked the weather gods for the same for our fall meetup, but they didn't listen to us. On the contrary : they sent us wind, rain, and miserable temperatures. Flying the models was out of the question. So it came as no surprise that the organizers were already receiving cancellations on their cell phones that morning. The ones sent by E-Mail weren't even seen until that evening.
Nine die-hard enthusiasts nevertheless gathered in the cozy SGO clubhouse and enjoyed an interesting and informative day. For once, the focus was on socializing—something that tends to take a back seat otherwise. There was plenty of material for viewing and discussion, including models, books, plans, and more.
We were also honored by a visit from Philip Spahr, president of SG Olten.

Image 1: Welcome and briefing by Peter Ziegler
Image 2: A relaxed get-together and shop talk
Image 3: Discussion at the site
Image 4: Photo albums, books, plans, and plenty of visual aids

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Christian Gugger gave an introduction to the fascinating field of indoor flying and immediately flew two models indoors, while Fredi Genther demonstrated his catapult for launching Jetex models.
Dominique Vultier's books provided inspiration "in abundance."

Image 5: Christian Gugger introduces indoor flying in F1D
Image 6: Indoor flying model in flight
Image 7: Is there enough space to turn?

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Figure 8:
Fredi Genther with his catapult for Jetex models. It is driven into the ground    and secured against the direction of pull. This makes it possible to fly models equipped with hooks, since Jetex solid-fuel tablets are not approved in Switzerland.

Figure 9:
Dominique Vultier has compiled a comprehensive collection of Swiss aircraft in his books.

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The planned FAC contests ("Jimmie Allen" and the Guillow's mass start) had to be canceled.
At least, during a break in the rain, we managed to take a group photo of all the Guillow's models and their builders, as well as a group photo of the participants.

Below are pictures of the "Jimmie Allen" models

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And now, the Guillow's models (Figure 10) with their builders (Figure 11)

Note:
The Nieuport 11 was modified in the engine compartment to the Nieuport 23C-1 version, and the Piper SuperCub 95 was modified to the Piper PA-18-150.

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Just as we were about to head home, there was a long break in the rain, and the wind had died down. Some of us took advantage of this to get in some successful test flights after all. There are only a few pictures, since the cameras had already been put away, or their owners were out flying.

Picture 12: Participants
Picture 13: Go!
Picture 14: Graupner Sternchen, an all-weather plane!
Picture 15: Water Rat, the Hangar Rat's big brother: Completely waterproof

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So we'll cherish the memories of those three great gatherings in 2026, and we're looking forward to 2027, when it'll be time once again for the Rubber-Powered and CO2-Powered Model Meet.

To wrap things up, here is the model of the Piper Lenape Papoose, built from a Hacker kit. Its three-cylinder engine, along with the Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub.