Aha, that explains a lot. According to the logbooks, it flew (under BGA CofA) until 1985, then went into storage until 1991. But the first CofA I have for it, is dated June 1993. Not flying under BGA rules would account for the flying in 1991/1992. After 1993 it had continuous CofA July 1996, although it was stored in July 1995 and generally went downhill in storage since then… And it was already a very tired glider before it went into storage.

Hi Dave,

Yeah, we were wondering about that, but the two co-owners who drew the trailer on the computer do these technical drawings and calculations for a living as mechanical engineers. Even so, we put in an adjustable axle suspension, which is quite easy to use and change the axle’s location about one metre aft and forward. Also, the front of the trailer will take some weight from the long double steel towbar, spare tyre, main wing stuts, etc. And because we take the nose-mounted pitot off, the fuselage is rather far forward in the trailer… We’ll see how this works out once it’s certified and we pick up the glider…

Eric

Wellllll, took some time, but our brandnew trailer is rolling along. Only the floor, lights, front and back hatch, registration, fittings etc left, but it’s starting to look like something… We aim at finishing the trailer in two months, then pick up the T21 for restoration work to begin.

@Baz: It’s a smaller world than you might think. Both T.21s were part-owned by one of the owners of the Freighter (we bought ours off him and a partner of his). Both were at some stage also operated by the Enstone Eagles (at least the documentation for both aircraft says so). Also ours was flown with the (shortlived?) Enstone Vintage Gldiing Society, which featured members from both the Frieghter group and the Eagles I understand…

@Baz: Hmmm. Interesting. But with these gliders that was not the case, as they had to have a CofA for insurance purposes (I have the old insurance papers at home). Did you check up on that date at Enstone already?

@Baz, it would appear you flew our T.21 too. Lucky you: we only get to fly it after a couple of years work 😉