Circle Tow Hook

[Dan McLeod]

My friend and I are building older style, all wood, F1A gliders.
I am looking for circle tow hooks approprate for these models, no servos, no bunt, etc.
I am not against trying to make the hooks as long as it can be accomplished without access to a machine shop. I would perfer to purchase the hooks but have been unsuccessful locating a source.
Thank you in advance.
Thermals,
Dan

[DENNIS PHELAN]

I have used the CZECHOSLOVAKIAN CIRCLE TOW HOOKS from Mike Woodhouse. No problems with them.

I also made a couple using only hand tools, which is kind of obvious when you see the pic’s!

[Anonymous]

Well the first thing I need to know is, how tall is your pod? Then I need to know what you mean by older style gliders? Are you talking about something that came out of the 70s, 80s or what? Because, depending on your structure, the more modern hooks might be a bit too much. When looking at hooks, there is no end. You can find them from Vasi, http://www.vasi.scana.com.ua/price.html, or Vidas at W-hobby, http://w-hobby.com/?p=Towhook%203S. As for the strength of the hook, I guess if you’re a little bit crafty, you can put a lighter spring in once you get one. Well, I hope that helps some. Good luck and remember…..that no matter what they say……there is always a thermal out there….always.[/list]

[Anonymous]

Dan,

Many of us have older hooks around. I think I have two home made hooks I’d just as well see flying in a model. These are 1980 style- mechanical timer start via cable from latch. All rudder adjustment back at on rhe rudder. Hook mounts on a bottom slotted 1/8 x .7 x 4.0 inch plate that screws into the bottom of the fuselage. If interested, I’ll take a few pictures and post.

JIM

[Ed Hardin]

I think I have a a couple of hooks that I made back in the ’70’s, and bits and pieces for a couple of others. PM me with your address and I will sent them to you. I don’t fly towline anymore, so I have no use for them.
Ed

[Anonymous]

@dephela wrote:

I have used the CZECHOSLOVAKIAN CIRCLE TOW HOOKS from Mike Woodhouse. No problems with them.

I also made a couple using only hand tools, which is kind of obvious when you see the pic’s!

This hook has a plastic housing and it is quite suitable for old-style models. The unlatch strength could be around 20 – 30 N – I would imagine…
So you should be OK with your classic style wings.
I have used it for an old-style model, the housing is a little bit larger.

I may have also some drawings of old-style hooks, but I am not sure if there is much value for you….

Pavol

[Dan McLeod]

Hi,
Thank you for the information and for the offer from Ed. The design I am building is the “Czech Mate”. I may re-engineer the wing/spars, to make a stronger/stiffer structure.
I have ordered a couple of circle tow hooks and booms from Mike Woodhouse.
On an unmodified wing design like the “Czech Mate” or “Ultimate Dragmaster”, what would be an appropriate unlatch tension.
Thermals,
Dan

[DENNIS PHELAN]

Dan,
I have a W-Hobby “Junior” that unlatches at 3 1/2 to 4 pounds.
It works well in calm there and I don’t know that you want to circle it in wind in stock trim.

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