Not your ususal warbird but ex-AAC WWII none the less

[renick]

I finally managed to break into warbird restoration with probably the least complicated warbird out there...

A 1943 Laister Kauffmann TG-4A training glider. They were used initially to train combat glider pilots. This one is serial number 43-53063 and was sold out of military service in april 45, I am the 17th owner since tte AAC and plan on re-converting it back to its wartime glory...

http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j35/r ... 043-53063/

I have 5 of the 10 original WWII AAC instruments, given the radioactive nature of the dial paint - where does one send these to be overhauled?

While not as exciting as a p-51 or p-47, I am looking forward to getting her restored and back in the air. More updates to follow...

[JDK]

While not as exciting as a p-51...

Hey, depends on your point of view! Bet your bird's rarer...

Congrats and tell us all about it.

Yagottatugoryougoingtopush?

[warbird1]

Wow, that's really, really cool! Be sure to keep us updated as I would love to hear more about your project. Gliders, are an oft-neglected historical footnote in W.W.II, unfortunately.

BTW, welcome to WIX! We're glad to have you contribute more on his important warbird!

[troliver]

What an outstanding project! How did you come to own it and do you know any of its history? What kind of aircraft was typically used to tow it? Please keep us posted as I'm sure there are plenty of glider buffs here on the board.

[Second Air Force]

Congratulations on your acquisition! There was a thread recently that had several nice photos of AAC gliders: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=35473

Scott

[JBoyle]

Neat project, looks like fun.

Good luck with it.

[the330thbg]

Awesome project!!! My father put one of these down in a cornfield back in 1943 in Alabama. Chewed the heck out of it. No injuries. He loved that bird. Congrats!!!!!!

[Nathan]

Heck I'ed take this project over a P-51 project anyday! I love the lessor know types. Keep us posted.....with pics if possible!

[Django]

That is pretty neat!

[airknocker]

Check in with these folks, they have plenty of info:
http://www.vintagesailplane.org/
Such as:
http://www.vintagesailplane.org/fronius.html
and
http://trade-a-glider.netfirms.com/pict ... p?album=19

[Avn-Tech]

Renick,

Congradulatios on your new project.

I have also been looking at the LK series of gliders.
I am currently taking gliding lessons, and have an L-5 I am restoring:

http://web.mac.com/ibnfe2/L-5/Home.html

I figured they would make a good Air Show routine, showing a seldom seen side of WW II.

Good Luck with your project
Avn-Tech

[hercules130]

SUPER COOL, best of luck.

[renick]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys!

I am a member of the vintage sailplane association and have been in touch with a couple of its members who have restored or own the TG4/LK10 (one provided the photo of the data plate on my photobucket page). With any luck there will be some helpful info come out of it. The FAA provided its ownership and major maintenance history and the Smithsonian provided its service reference card. I am still on the look out for any military manuals for it ( I do have the POH)

I will keep everyone up to date on its progress.

Nick

[res6kgcr]

Congratulations,

For everyone interest a letter to Soaring magazine, May-June 1945 issue about a surplus TG-4A glider purchase, I like the comment that you get a cool walkie-talkie with it!

“Fred Tietze bid on two TG-4As in the April 10 bidding. His bid of $760 was accepted and the $413 bid rejected. He took delivery on it April 28 and was able to drive out and get it in person. Fred reports that his TG-4A is in wonderful condition, having never been flown and probably was not even taken from the trailer. It has two complete sets of instruments and a walkie-talkie radio which is new (he had to get it from the officer in charge and install it himself), and the fabric is in perfect condition.”

As for a war-bird paint job, how about this one from the contract glider school at Wickenberg, AZ complete with shark (fish?) mouth.



Otherwise most were just “Plain Jane” aluminum dope/lacquer like this one being inspected by General Yount, probably taken at the contract glider School at Lamase, TX.



The best to you all,

Tom Michel

[gliderman1]

Renick,

If I calculate accurately, you have the 117th production TG-4A. Jack L. would be proud of you!

Did you get or is there any indication whatsoever of the SCR-585 radio system being mounted anywhere in the cockpit?

All the TG-4As supposedly had it installed. As mentioned elsewhere, it was a specially modified BC-611 Handie-Talkie (the Walkie-Talkie was a 50 lb back pack radio).