Dartmoor Gliding News- Goodbye Old Friend - The Zugvogel Departs

The clubs venerable Zugvogel 3A was sold quite a while ago but Covid 19 had prevented it's new, Polish, owner from collecting it. Today the deal was finally concluded.

The Zug flying high over Dartmoor

The Zugvogel 3A had been the part of the DGS fleet for as long as anyone can remember. This very sweet flying, vintage (1958) glider has seen many achievements during it's tenure. It has ridden the wave to great heights, flown cross country and furthered the flying careers of many pilots. Many DGS pilots have fond memories of their time in the Zug. So why did it fall into disuse? Well the ergonomics of the cockpit left something to be desired. Getting in and out was a struggle, particularly for pilots of reduced stature and the seating position often induced back ache, The pilots who enjoyed it the most moved on to their own hot ships.

Many DGS pilots recount memorable flights and as such the glider will live long in our memories.

The "mean and moody " 3A

Zugvogel 3A G-CHKV in it's element

Steve

Gavin And Scratch stayed very late on Saturday 26/6/2021. This is their story

The new Polish owner, Thomas, and his co-driver Jack were delayed in their ferry crossing to UK by having to get a Covid test.  When club members were departing I got a voice mail message to say they were arriving in 40 minutes (1930ish) so Scratch and I stayed behind.  We thought it better to do it then rather than on Sunday morning, with a reduced crew, in the rain.

After offering a cup of tea that was gratefully accepted Thomas spent about an hour going through HKV's paperwork with me.  Thank goodness it was well organised. He was particularly interested in when the CofG hook had been changed and the date of the seat belts (they are on condition).

Eventually we got to the storage unit where Thomas started an inspection of the glider.  Connections, corrosion, integrity of the fin post, instruments etc.  I picked up from his mate Jack, who spoke very good English, that Thomas expected the Zugvogel IIIA to be in better condition, including finish, than it was.  Scratch and my replies were that it was only £500.

The Fuselage on the trailer

They had brought a smart Polish open trailer.  The arms located, eventually after Scratch's fettling and lubrication, to the cockpit mounting points.  The locating tag which Thomas had queried a few days ago, under the fuselage was no where near the trailer fittings so the rear fuselage was strapped down.  Then the whole fuselage was wrapped in cling film, as was the tailplane, which was an interesting exercise is in the light rain.  As entertainment there wee some amazing wave clouds on display at dusk..  Aileron locks were fitted to the wings and wing root holes stuffed with bin bags.

Finally, when they were ready to go we had the obligatory trailer lighting check with problems with the brake lights which, after half an hour,  was traced to a short one side.  Thomas never got it working properly and they thought they would chance it.  "HKV left the building" at 2300.  They were aiming to drive straight back to Dover as they were on a 48 hr ferry ticket.

All ready for the long trip to it's new home

We retrieved all the club tools that had been used, replaced HXP's canopy in the now spacious storage unit, and Scratch locked up. But. as we left we were unanimous agreement that Mr Roberts owed us a curry in the Ganges in Tavistock, or similar, for duties above and beyond...

Gavin Short