On Tuesday, November 26, 2013 7:51:59 PM UTC-8, shkdriver wrote:
Hello,

I am in the early stages of building a Luebke patterned clamshell trailer for my Schempp-Hirth SHK. The trailer is an aluminum sheathed steel frame 'interpretation' of the cobra and comet style trailers. I have been paying attention to every glider trailer I've been around for the last few years, with the intention of incorporating the best features. Some of these features are;



Tracks and captured wing root dollies with adjustable tension hold down

brackets for the spar root (seen in a cobra containing a ventus)



Captured aluminum ramp with fold over center track, with either hydraulic

or double screw jack height adjustment (cobra again).



Pivoting lower carriage wheels on belly support dolly (cobra).



Drop down tailgate which provides a braced repeatable height of tail end

of trailer for rigging and derigging.



Front access hatch, ventilators, spare tire access when loaded.

Good lights with some lights down the length of the trailer.



Storage space for all the ground handling gear.



So, what am I missing or forgetting? Does anyone have any comments on favorite features or also, features which should be avoided at all costs? I want to eliminate those unforeseeable miserable items which pinch fingers, rash gliders, and detract from the chore of rigging and trailering a glider. I would also like to have a system which uses the least amount of loose gear lying about.



Thanks,

Scott W.

N-1521

Make the forward storage compartment big enough to store your one- man-rigger mostly assembled (3 wheels on the lift post). Lift the 3-wheels out, slide the saddle on and she's ready to go. I set my fuselage height a tad low, slide both wings in, shove my 12" broom handle into the far spar holes, then pump the hydraulic jack with my foot as I watch the near spar holes come into alignment. When the two spar holes come together, I shove in the first spar pin, then remove the broom handle and make any indicated height adjustment with foot jack as I watch the other holes.
I would make the final axle placement with everything in place, adjusting axle location to give about 100 pounds of tongue weight. Electric brakes are probably the best.
JJ