Author Topic: tow line  (Read 19495 times)

andrew wallace

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tow line
« on: February 13, 2011, 19:25:53 PM »
never thought the weight of the line used would have an effect on the glider being towed



the picture shows two tow lines both the same length but different weights
because of the model we used as a tug i used the small line now i've got the 1/4 scale cub i started using the heavy line and it's easier seen when you drop it before landing
last year we where able to tow a 3m glider with the top line, but today i was towing a 2.5m ventus and the heavy line made it impossible to tow the line just bowed in the middle and dragged the glider down

unfortunately we didn't get any sort of height and the glider crash landed :!:  
a lesson well learned in all the years i've been doing this i was well caught out today   :!:   :(
i\'m an ordinary man nothing special nothing grand

billscottni

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tow line
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2011, 20:05:05 PM »
Hope the damage wasn't too bad and it will be repaired and flying again soon

Adrian14MZ

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Re: tow line
« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2012, 23:48:01 PM »
Hi Andrew.
Can you tell me, what engine did you have in the 1/4 scale Cub and what was the largest gilder you had on tow. Adrian.
Quote from: "andrew wallace"
never thought the weight of the line used would have an effect on the glider being towed



the picture shows two tow lines both the same length but different weights
because of the model we used as a tug i used the small line now i've got the 1/4 scale cub i started using the heavy line and it's easier seen when you drop it before landing
last year we where able to tow a 3m glider with the top line, but today i was towing a 2.5m ventus and the heavy line made it impossible to tow the line just bowed in the middle and dragged the glider down

unfortunately we didn't get any sort of height and the glider crash landed :!:  
a lesson well learned in all the years i've been doing this i was well caught out today   :!:   :(
Fly Futaba every time.

Graeme

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Tow lines
« Reply #3 on: March 26, 2014, 07:24:44 AM »
Hi Andrew.
In NZ we use a builders line, up to 5m - 6m gliders, it has a bit of stretch we fine it's good you can get it in fluro so we can see if it's droped.
And for the big gliders  fishing nylon 80-100 lbs.
If you go in a full size glider  the line is not straight they all have a loop as the glider flys faster then the tow plane.
 Your tow plane must have a good power.
We use the builders line on 1/4 up on the tow planes, up as in 120 cc cubs 1/3

gerryb

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tow line
« Reply #4 on: March 27, 2014, 00:59:14 AM »
hi graeme, welcome to the forum.  glad to see you found us.

regards,

gb

Graeme

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tow line
« Reply #5 on: March 27, 2014, 07:05:51 AM »
Hi Gerry,
Hope I can help with stuff from time to time.

gerryb

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tow line
« Reply #6 on: March 27, 2014, 22:57:09 PM »
thanks graeme.

 can you give us some idea of your glider interests please?  are you into scale, aerobatic, high performance or what?

we'd love to see some photos of your models if possible.

 i assume you are heading into your winter, so will you continue to fly?

Fred

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tow line
« Reply #7 on: March 28, 2014, 20:13:44 PM »
Hi Graeme,

Welcome to the forum  :D

For tow lines, I use the cord they sell from time to time in Lidl or Aldi (Powerfix Brand).
Comes in bright yellow  :D  2mm diameter.

I also have a tow line from Germany. Can't remember the website, but this come from the German aerotowing Champion (yeah, they do have aerotowing championships!).

Better not lose that one!  :lol:
Education is important, but flying RC planes and gliders is importanter!

Adrian14MZ

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Re: tow line
« Reply #8 on: April 09, 2016, 05:55:36 AM »
Hi Andrew.
Can you tell me, what engine did you have in the 1/4 scale Cub and what was the largest gilder you had on tow.

Adrian.
Fly Futaba every time.

andrew wallace

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Re: tow line
« Reply #9 on: April 12, 2016, 17:07:08 PM »
Hi Adrian
I have a DLE 30cc engine in the cub, biggest model i towed was a blackhorse minimoa towed one of freds big models it was a good bit heavier and took longer to get to a height
 I am selling the cub I was able to pick up a 106" World Models Piper Pawnee with a DLE 55  :D
i\'m an ordinary man nothing special nothing grand

Adrian14MZ

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Re: tow line
« Reply #10 on: April 13, 2016, 01:05:51 AM »
Thanks for that Andrew.
It had a 3.4m WS @ 2kg.

My Cub is clipped with a 27cc OS Gemini 160 twin. I have been wondering what it could tow ?.
I think that Nitro engines have a little more power than Gas engines. I know that a nitro 2st would have more power that a nitro 4st, how do you think they compare to Gas engines.

I was flying a Great Planes 27% ultimate Bipe @ 8kg for a number of years.
Great planes recommended the use of a nitro 160 2st ( 25.0?cc ) or a 43cc Gas/Petrol engine.

Most Tugs use 100cc petrol engines ( = 55/60 nitro 2st. ). I was thinking about the OS 320 Gemini twin 4st, if it would fit up the front of my 1/4 scale Sig Cub. What do you think ?.

Adrian. 
 
Fly Futaba every time.

andrew wallace

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Re: tow line
« Reply #11 on: April 13, 2016, 15:16:28 PM »
For me 100cc tug would be to much I wouldn't be towing anything bigger that 5 or 6 metres :-)
The twin Gemini would be nice what are they like for reliability last thing you want is it stopping mid tow
The first engine I used was a Supertigre 4500 man it was a brute to start blackened my knuckles more times than enough  :o
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Adrian14MZ

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Re: tow line
« Reply #12 on: April 13, 2016, 15:22:45 PM »
Yes the ST 45cc would pull the front off my cub.

I use an on-board glow ( S.M. services ) it comes in when I need it.

Adrian.
Fly Futaba every time.

Fred

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Re: tow line
« Reply #13 on: April 13, 2016, 16:00:58 PM »
SuperTigre ST2000 with tuned pipe on my Bison :)
Could tow 5m gliders! :)

Those were the days  :(
Education is important, but flying RC planes and gliders is importanter!

andrew wallace

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Re: tow line
« Reply #14 on: April 13, 2016, 20:33:44 PM »
Adrian this is my new model i'm well pleased with it  :) :) :) :)
this is my 5th tug my first was a 100" trainer my own design with the supertigre 45cc then i built a big Titan then the cub and i have another half built titan and now the Pawnee  :)
i've had to change a few things like the servo's they were standard  :-X 

Hey Fred good to hear from you  8)
i\'m an ordinary man nothing special nothing grand