Here is what I posted in the Pulley Launch Yahoo! Group today:

Almost two years ago Mike Logback built some pulleys for glider launching here but we haven't every used them. I found a good deal on some rope and bought 4000 feet this week. I think Mike posted pictures of his Pulley but its a lawn mower front rim with a nice greased bearing on a 2" receiver to go in a standard receiver hitch here in the US.

Method was what John Campbell calls the "Auto-Pulley Tow" he http://www.coloradosoaring.org/think...n_campbell.htm

We launched our Schweizer 2-33 with the standard nose hook.Tow car was my 2014 Subaru Outback 3.6L. Anchor vehicle was Mikes Ford F-150

Headwind was 10-15 mph. Car speed was 20 mph, which kept it in 1st gear. One time it did try to shift into 2nd which resulted in the speed quickly jumping from a nice 55-60 mph on the glider end to an uncomfortable high 60's. Ground Launch Redline is 69 mph. In the future we'll put the automatic transmission in its Manual mode to hold it in 1st gear for the launch.

Flights were done solo and dual. heights acheived were between 1400 and 1600 agl depending on weight. On the first two flights I was able to hook thermals and climb away. Great fun.

After launch we removed the rope from the pulley on the Subaru and drove the Ford back to the launch point. Result was the rope was laid out nice and straight on the runway and ready for the next launch.

We fly at Sunflower Gliderport in Kansas. 7000 feet long by 200 feet wide former Naval Air Station. Paved runway.

Great fun! Looking forward to doing more!