Ried Model Building Exhibition Draws Thousands of Visitors
The 18th Modellbaumesse Ried attracted thousands of visitors from Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Lower Austria, and Germany alongside nearly 190 exhibitors and associations across eight exhibition halls, meinbezirk.at reported. The event featured a broad spectrum of modeling disciplines, ranging from model railways and Lego displays to plastic and cardboard model building.
Project Manager Fabian Berneder noted the strong turnout, stating that many enthusiasts made the journey to Ried to experience the atmosphere. First-time dealer Klaus Wienroither from Winnis Spielzeug & Modellbauwelt in Ried reported that visitor numbers surpassed initial expectations, prompting plans for a larger stand at the next exhibition.
Competitions and Outdoor Highlights at the FACC Sky Dome
The exhibition introduced its first-ever diorama competition, where Günter Schreiner from Mainburg, Germany, took first place. Flight shows moderated by Johann Brabetz drew significant crowds, featuring performances by RC Heli Junior World Champion Gabriel Grundner. Ground demonstrations included presentations by IG Rad und Kette, IG Modellschiffe OÖ, and SMC Seestern Passau.
The outdoor program at the FACC Sky Dome hosted RC car races organized by the Nitrofighter club from Lambrechten and park railway rides for younger visitors. Exhibitors and hobbyists showcased working models across land and water sectors throughout the multi-hall venue.
HTL Ried Displays Robotics and Engineering Projects
HTL Ried presented its Robotics and Smart Engineering focus area on an 80-square-meter stand under the motto “Kleine Welt trifft große Träume.” Exhibits highlighted mechanical engineering projects created by students, including a robotic dog, an exoskeleton, an e-Autodrom, an electric VW Beetle, an e-pocketbike, a digital pinball machine, and a Formula Student car.
Additional displays featured a 3D scanner for reverse engineering, 3D-printed parts for the school’s own construction robots, a thermal imaging drone, and an off-road challenge. The institution structures its five-year mechanical engineering curriculum around robotics, digitalization, and lightweight design.
Upcoming Dates for Prospective Engineering Students
HTL Ried has scheduled its open house event for Friday, November 6, 2026, giving prospective students and parents an opportunity to tour the technical workshops and view student projects. The school also hosts weekly active trial sessions every Wednesday for interested applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ried Exhibition
Who won the inaugural diorama competition at the Ried exhibition?
Günter Schreiner from Mainburg, Germany, secured first place in the newly introduced contest.
Which student projects did HTL Ried showcase at its stand?
HTL Ried exhibited a robotic dog, an exoskeleton, an electric VW Beetle, an e-pocketbike, a digital pinball machine, a Formula Student car, and a thermal imaging drone.
When is the next open house at HTL Ried?
The institution holds its open house event on Friday, November 6, 2026, alongside weekly trial sessions every Wednesday.