John-

I hear what you are saying about your hangars. If you aren't constrained by access on both sides, a long hangar makes sense. The carousel works for us, but every situation is different.

Two points, though. Electrical power is provided at every beam, so there is no issue with dangling cables, as long as the users pay attention. Also, the density of gliders isn't that much different from the eight-glider hangar. Our building is 671 square meters and the hangar Eric referenced in his original post appears to be around 664 square meters. There is also considerable open space in three of the corners. (The fourth corner has the drive mechanism.) We have a lounge and toilet/shower in one corner and cabinets and lots of storage in the front corners. A Nimbus 2 can roll in and out of the 25 meter door, although it must have the outer wing panels removed for storage on the carousel.

The beams are arranged to hold a variety of 15, 17 and 18 meter gliders, and can take one up to 20 meter span.

As far as your other concerns, fitting a glider inside and only one at a time getting out, it simply has not been an issue. It requires no assistance to get a glider in or out, and even on busy days, the hangar can be emptied in 15 minutes or less. Rarely are more than a couple of pilots ready at the same time, as I am sure you have noticed.