Wings & Wheels is your supplier for a full line of quality "Tost" products including retractor tow reel systems, fixed position tow releases tow planes, safety tow release mechanisms for most sailplanes, tow rings, weak links,as well as tires, wheels and brakes.
Wings & Wheels #1 TOST Distributor

Overhauls of "Tost" tow releases and brake assemblies are also available.
Please call with your special requirements.

EXCHANGE SERVICE PROVIDED TO REDUCE DOWN TIME!
NEW AND FACTORY OVERHAULED TOW RELEASE MECHANISMS FOR MOST SAILPLANES, TAIL RELEASES FOR TOWPLANES AND MANY WHEEL PARTS ARE NORMALLY AVAILIBLE FROM "IN STOCK INVENTORY"
THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FACTORY NEW AND OVERHAULED RELEASES IN THE USA ARE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE FROM STOCK
The most common TOST wheel and brake assemblies, Aircraft quality tires and inner tubes for use in Sailplanes and Motorgliders are available from stock!

Far left: Model G-88 Safety release mechanism as used in most CG (center of gravity) installations for Aero Tow and/or Ground launching.
Near left: Model E-85 releasemechanism is most common type for Nose mounting (typically for Aero towing only) on most sailplanes.(note: Lever types may vary with different installations and may be changed to suit.)
Foreground: Genuine "TOST" double towing rings for use in Aero or Ground launching

Maintenance intervals for all TOST tow releases:
New TBO of Tost releases   April 19, 2001
    TBO 2000 launches
          accordingly 10.000 actuations.
Life limiting part is the release spring, with a life expectancy of about 10.000 actuations. With about 5 actuations in normal flight operation, this is, as before, 2000 launches. Should you have in pure training operation more actuations per launch, the TBO is reduced accordingly (with 8 actuations per launch to 1250 launches).This decision in in the responsibility of the aircraft holder. If both releases are actuated together (like in Germany) both releases have to be sent for overhaul after 2000 launches.
The life limit of 4 years is replaced by a manufacturer's recommendation.
The new regulation had been published from the LBA in the "NfL" on
Juli 12, 2001 and therefore is valid right now
Release mechanism
Selection guide to the most common
"Tost" Release mechanism showing "Descriptions of types and lever Arm types"
PLUS
Selection guide to the most common
"Tost" Release mechanism showing "Segment Circles"

Old and New types
TOST tow releases have gone through several changes and modifications have been made over the years for safety reason  and with normal replacements as required by the time limitations most, but not all have been kept up to date. However, very often we find gliders using old and obsolete types and many owners still do not think they need to be updated since there are no airworthiness directives on the mechanisms but these are "time limited" parts and the operators manuals for the release mechanisms should be part of the aircraft records and these bare
 out the requirement for overhaul or exchange.

Notable differences are:
Case type construction from older welder cases to latest cases machined from solid stock
Older types can be updated and are still acceptable with other updates
Opening sizes are larger on later designs and accept the current and only approved
 TOST Double Tow ring (large oval and smaller round pairs)
Using old tow rings (oval-oval) in newer release and using new (oval-round) rings in old mechanisms can both
 jam the release or prematurely release.
 
New type on left ...... Old type on right
also not case construction

Also note modified mechanism on left has tension adjustment added,
newest types also have this recessed into the case and covered by a small button or cap.
Other types and variations have less noticeable changes but are updates required to be airworthy.
If you have an older type or the aircraft records do not include replacement of the
releases at normal intervals  have your mechanic contact Wings & Wheels to get replacement parts.
 

Wings & Wheels maintains the largest supply of
NEW and FACTORY OVERHAULED TOST
release mechanisms in the USA.

Most types of new and factory overhauled releases are available from stock for immediate delivery
thus eliminating down time of aircraft.

There are several variations in release types and configurations.
Lever arms can be long or shorter versions, some releases do not have lever arms at all,
some have reduced segment circles. It is therefore always best to send your old release
here first and allow me to make comparisons and ship the correct model back to you.
Also please note, many very old release mechanisms are in poor condition and some
older types were of lighter construction, need updates that are not economical because
of the new longer life limits are therefore not repairable anymore and therefore may
no longer have core value.

Exchange prices for overhauled releases are typically $275.00-$350.00 for nose releases and
$305.00- $465.00  for most CG type releases
Exchange prices for factory new release mechanism will be typically higher

Most releases can be exchanged from STOCK and turnaround time can be in as little as one or two days!
(FedEx, UPS or DHL Next day delivery available on request)


G-Type release Mechanisms
G-88 (G72 and G73) is typical of Center of Gravity releases but is also in use as a combination CG and aero towing release on some sailplanes mounted between nose and landing gear.

click on image for one type lever comparison
The G88 replaces both earlier G72 and G73 release mechanisms without problems. G88 is made from castings where previous models were all or in part from welded steel. The G-88 is available with a variety of release levers (interchangeable) for special applications as well as special models for some manufacturers with shortened segmented circles for cramped installations
Shown Left to Right above:
G88/1-83 (Far Left) As a modification depending on the available space in a glider or powered glider, it may be necessary to shorten the segment by one or more holes, and/or lengthen the segment bolt. In the latter case, a spacer, which protrudes to the left or right of the housing is added to the segment bolt. The release lever is then attached, externally, to the extended bolt.
Next (center) G-72 without release lever and standard (full) Segment circle and (Right) G-73 with standard segment circle and lever arms. The G-88 is approved for gliders and Motor gliders. Automatic release occurs with cable angles of 83 +/- 7 degrees. .
NOTE: The G88 release is a replacement for earlier models (G72, G73) and in most cases these releases can normally be interchanged without problem.

TYPE S-72 and SH-72
These are special tow releases for light-weight gliders and power gliders with simpler design (without moving ring mechanisms). To satisfy airworthiness requirements, therefore, the aircraft must have cable deflectors to insure release even for extreme lateral angles. For aircraft with a maximum gross weight of 500 kg. The SH-72 shown on left has a shortened segmented circle for fitting a special release lever. This release type is typical of Glaser Dirks DG100 and Glasflugel Libelle and used on others as well. To fit the available space in a glider or powered glider it was necessary to shorten the segment of the SH 72 by 3 holes compared to the
S- 72. A spacer, which protrudes to the left or right side of the housing was added to the segment bolt, the release lever is then externally attached to the extended bolt.

E-Type Release Mechanisms

TYPE E-85 is a common nose release and as a tail release for towing aircraft.The E-85 has no automatic release. The E-85 release is an increased strength model of the previous E-72 and E-75 release mechanisms and may be used to replace either of these without problems. Most gliders can also use the earlier type releases without difficulty to replace later types.
Shown are the E-75/1-79 with release lever and shortened segment circle (left), E-72 with short release lever (right). You will notice the earlier E-72 uses welded case and segment where there newer types are machined and do not have the exposed tension adjustment screw.
version  E 75/1-79
Depending on the available space in a glider, powered glider or aircraft it may be necessary to shorten the segment of the nose tow release by 2 holes and to attach a special angled lever instead of the normal lever.

NOTE: The E85 release is a replacement for earlier models (E72, E73 and E75) and in most cases these releases can normally be interchanged without problem.
ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTIONS OF TOST
TOW RELEASES ON THIS LINK

OVERHAUL, TRADE-IN AND EXCHANGE SERVICE AVAILABLE

TOST TOW REELS AND TOW ASSEMBLIES FOR TOWING AIRCRAFT ON FOLLOWING PAGES

WARNING!
Recently, connecting ring pairs that do not comply with the LN 65091 standard have begun to appear on the German market. All type-approved tow releases may be used only with a connecting ring pair that complies with the 1985 edition of this standard (Section 2.6 LBA-approved Operating Manual).
The ring pairs (presumably from Egger) are welded - this is explicitly prohibited by LN 65091. They are not correctly dimensioned and will not operate reliably with Tost tow releases. However, these ring pairs are even being used in flying schools, sometimes with a "certificate of approval" from the manufacturer.
These non-approved ring pairs damage the leading edges of the tow releases and can cause the ring to jam in the tow release so that the release cannot be activated.
It is to be expected that Germany will start seeing damage to tow releases and problems with their operation similar to that already happening in the Netherlands.
You should give some thought to the following points:

• If a release cannot be activated, the consequences can be fatal.
• The damage to the tow release necessitates replacing the housing or the hook. The cost of this repair is far higher than the saving through buying cheaper rings.
• If a tow release is operated with non-approved components, the manufacturer's warranty becomes null and void. In addition, in the event of a failure or accident, an insurance company can legitimately repudiate its obligation to pay.
  Further information on : http://www.tost.de/evers/edefault.htm

TOW RINGS
SINGLE ROUND "SCHWEIZER TYPE"
HARDENED STEEL TOW RINGS

For Schweizer Type Releases... $9.75
Quantity of 5 for $45.00

TOST Double Tow Rings

Double tow rings as used on most modern sailplanes......$41.5
Quantity of 5 for $200.00

Connecting ring pairs are vital for the safe connection and reliable Separation of tow cable and tow release. The type certification stipulates that every Tost tow release must be operated only with a ring pair meeting the aeronautical Standard LN 65091.A ring pair that meets the current LN 65091 Standard is stamped with the manufacturer's name and the Standard number.Welded ring pairs are generally prohibited. Their use voids our warranty for the release. Welded rings damage the release. Moreover, undersized or deformed rings can cause the ring pair to jam the release and inhibit correct Operation under load. Ring pairs must be visually checked and measured at regulär intervals to ensure correct Operation. Ring pairs that deviate from the Standard dimensions must bereplaced.

Connecting rings

NOTE: these are NOT to be used directly in the TOST Tow releases, but as parts for completing
Weak links and connecting parts for towing ropes and cables

096010 large oval rings (see below) for use with notch type connector $20.00
101100 small round rings $14.00 each


TOST WEAK LINKS
FOR AERO-TOW AND GROUND LAUNCHING
 AND GROUND LAUNCHING PARTS
 TOST weak link parts parts are available from stock

300061 Tow Cable End Piece  (used only with TOST cable retractor systems)
without TOST tow ring pair as shown (top) $98.00
 complete with TOST tow ring pair as shown (top)$135.00
Aluminum sleeve cable stop 2-part for Tow retractor $59.00
Tow Ring Pairs $41.50 each or 5 for $200.00
Small single round ring not shown but the same as used on TOST double tow ring
(use only as a connecting part!) $14.00
TOST Notch-type Connector

consists of single hook and oval ring  for notch type connector
 Part# 096000 Tost notch-type connector, two parts incl. # 096005, #096010 $54.00
Part# 096005 single hook for notch-type connector  $33.00
Part #096010 Oval ring for notch-type connector $24.00

Tost clasp-type connector  097000
for winch launch $44.00 *
* requires special schackle 112312 $8.32 each

One-piece, very light connector. Simply clip onto parachute shackle,
connect to tow cable using a special 12 mm shackle 112312
Mass 98 g, load capacity 15 kN (when closed).


Screw-type connector    Part# 095000 $16.50
Universal connector for winch launches and aero tows.
Delta-type connector   Part#  095010 $21.00
Universal connector especially for wide belts, eg, the grappling line of the BT cable parachute

Typical TOST weak Links

Single weak link (above) includes:
6mm Shackles, Protective sleeve, Colored Weak link, and TOST Double tow ring
Weak link application list



Weak links do fatigue and will eventually fail, typically with a hard jerk or sudden excessive load, for this reason, the reserve links are a valuable option. The reserve link will maintain the normal load at it's rated strength if a main link fails from fatigue or sudden jerk and will be visible on inspection, however if the load is exceeded both the main and reserve links will break as intended.
Reserve Weak link assembly is like single weak link but uses an addition "reserve" link (oval ends) should the main link fail
during a sudden jerk or unusual instance. Reserve weak links must always be the same breaking strength as main links.
Pictured above: Weak link with "reserve" link assembled (top) and parts thereof (bottom)
Reserve weak links use a slightly wider protective sleeve and wider 8mm shackles.
Different breaking strength weak links are color coded, Reserve links have "oval" end holes
rated load table is in daN (deca Newton) * 2.2481= pounds 
#1  Black weak link ...1000 +/-100 daN
#2   Brown weak link ... 850 +/-85 daN
 #3  Red weak link ........750 +/- 75 daN
#4  Blue weak link ........600 +/- 60 daN
#5  White weak link .....500 +/- 50 daN
#6  Yellow weak link ... 400 +/- 40 daN
#7  Green weak link ....300 +/- 30 daN
 weak links for single and reserve systems
$7.00 each link main or reserve
Weak Links for Kites, Hang Gliders and Ultra-lites
#8 Mauve weak link........ 200+/-20 daN
#9 Grey weak link ............150+/-15 daN
#14 Turquoise weak link 120+/- 12 daN
#11 Orange weak link .........80+/-10 daN
 links for single and reserve Ultra-Lite systems
$11.50 each
Weak Link Shackles
6mm for single system
8mm for reserve systems
$10.00 each
Protective sleeves for single link system
Protective sleeves for reserve link system
 $10.00 each

TOST Towing cable (Rope) for CRG Tow reel systems

560Kg breaking strength
Towing Cable for CRG 6.1mmx 250M length $511.00
Towing cable, Standard for CRG, 6.1mm diameter, 60 m length $123.00

TOWING CABLE, HARDWARE,
PARACHUTES FOR GROUND LAUNCH
Rely on the well-proofed quality of Tost winch cables
Winch launching cables from wire
Cable diameter 4,2 mm: Construction: 6×7×0,45 mm with 7×0,50 mm steel strand core. Ordinary lay right-hand, bright,
poor in twisting and tension. All strands are evenly drawn thus rendering preliminary stretching
superfluous. Calculated breaking strength 1480 daN, mass 7 kilos per 100 m.
Cable diameter 4,6 mm: Construction: 6×7×0,52 mm with 7 x 0,60 steel strand core. Ordinary lay right-hand, bright,
poor in twisting and tension. All strands are evenly drawn thus rendering preliminary stretching
superfluous. Calculated breaking strength 1770 daN, mass 8,3 kilos per 100 m.
Delivery data:
A) Winch cable on a wooden one-way-reel, standard length 1200 m
4,2 mm cable diameter, p/n 200012 $515.00 ** Special order only
4,6 mm cable diameter, p/n 200612 $559.00 **Special order only
** does not include cost for inbound shipping from Manufacturer (Germany)
B) Winch cable coiled in a ring, for loading on a two-part steel reel, standard length 1200 m
Two-part cable reel: This two-part steel cable reel for winch launching cables is made from steel tube.
The cable ring is fitted onto the larger conical shaped half and will find the correct position by itself by its mass.
After attaching the upper part and screwing, the cable reel is ready for operation.
4,2 mm cable diameter, p/n 200224 $490.00 **Special order only
4,6 mm cable diameter, p/n 200622 $525.00 **Special order only
** does not include cost for inbound shipping from Manufacturer (Germany)
Most connectors, parachutes and accessories are in stock or available on special order
please inquire directly
Example system (on right) similar to below *
from stock Including:
#121005 Safety rope 3 m stiffened with ring pair
#11000 (1X weak link + 1 X reserve weak link) Complete Weak Link with reserve set set for winch launch**
# 096010 Oval Ring for notch type connector
# 096000 Notch Type connector set
#112800 8mm Weak Link shackle x 2
#121002 Intermediate cable 2 meter lenght for cross-panel parachute
#113900 Connecting shackle, 19mm width x 2
#133500 Cross panel parachute
** specify weak link breaking load
Total cost : $625.00 *
* less ground launch cable

AIRPORT FLAG

Heavy duty nylon flag used on airport ground support vehicles
Printed in bright "Day Glow Orange" and White. 36" x 36"
$29.95
5' (60") FLAG POLE FOR AIRPORT FLAG $10.00
6' (72") FLAG POLE FOR AIRPORT FLAG $12.00
Towing Ropes
Just when you need it...
Just a sample of some of the towing supplies on hand shown.

TOST Red Star Aero tow rope
Step-index fibre from Red Polyester
Cable diameter 8 mm
Minimum breaking load 11 kN *
*(224.8 pounds = 1 kilonewton)
On both sides sewed-in rope eye with connecting parts including:
one side connecting ring pair to LN 65091, other side large oval ring
On the glider side fitted with complete weak link set in reserve system with protective sleeve (breaking load acc. to your indication)




High grade, long living rope thanks to Step-index-fibre construction, 32-fold coat
Easy to find on the airfield due to red color
Connecting parts are sewed-in into the rope eye
The stiching and the junction to the rope are protected with a transparent shrunk-on hose
No sharp edges that could damage the fuselage. Metal parts are reduced to the minimum
Mass (complete): 40 m = 2350 g, 50 m = 2860 g, 60 m = 3400 g
185400 40 meter (131 feet) $215.00
 185500 50 meter (164 feet) $230.00
185600 60 meter (196 feet) $245.00
* RedStar Tow rope has a minimum breaking strength of 11 Kn or 2,472.80 pounds
 (1 kilonewton = 224.8 pounds)

Towrope Strength Requirements (FAR 91.309)
Minimum Strength = 80 percent of the glider maximum certificated operating weight
Maximum Strength = twice the maximum certificated operating weight
Note: Maximum certificated operating weight can be found in the glider POH and may be the Maximum certificated gross weight at takeoff.
If the towrope has a breaking strength more than twice the maximum certificated operating weight of the glider being towed, a safety link has to be installed at the point of attachment of the glider and the tow plane with the following breaking strength requirements.
Safety Link (Weak Link) Requirements
Safety link (Weak Link) at the glider end:
Minimum Strength = 80 percent of the glider maximum certificated operating weight
Maximum Strength = twice the maximum certificated operating weight
Safety link (Weak Link) at the tow plane end:
Strength Requirements = Greater, but not more than 25% greater than that of the safety link on the glider end, and not more than twice the maximum certificated operating weight of the glider

C.S.R. Inc. (David Bradley) a long time supplier to the sailplane market for towing ropes has elected to discontinue direct sales to the end retail user and has chosen Wings & Wheels to be their outlet for this market.
We stock very large inventory and a variety of Hollow Braid POLYPRO ropes and Dacron ropes
Hollow Braid PolyPro


1/4" Hollow Braid PolyPro (1000 lb.)
250' Roll 1/4" Poly Pro Hollow Braid Rope (1000 lb.).......$29.00
1000' 1/4" Polypro Hollow Braid Rope (1000 lb.)...............$88.00
5/16" Hollow Braid PolyPro (1500 lb.)
250' Roll 5/16" Hollow Braid Poly-Pro Rope (1500 Lb.)....$37.00
1000' Roll 5/16 Polypro monofilament rope (1500 lb.)......$98.00
3/8" Hollow Braid PolyPro (2200 lb.)
250' 3/8" Hollow Braid Poly Rope (2200lb.)..........................$40.00
1000' Roll 3/8" Hollow Braid Poly Rope (2200 lb.)............$120.00
Dacron
Hollow braided Dacron (white only)ropes cost more but have far greater resistance to abrasion even
in smaller diameters and they are nearly unaffected by UV. The actual cost to use Dacron can be far cheaper in the long run that lower cost Poly or standard Nylon ropes.

250' Roll 1/5" Dacron Rope (1500 lb.)........... $59.00
1000' Rool 1/5" Dacron Rope (1500 lb.)..... $199.00
1500' Rool 1/5" Dacron Rope (1500 lb.)..... $249.00
250' Roll 1/4" Dacron Rope (2000 lb.)........... $75.00
1500' 1/4" Dacron rope (2000 lb.)................. $319.00

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Braids
Spectra
Spectra rope has one of the highest strength to weight ratios of the performance fiber ropes available, and can be up to 10X lighter than an equivalent strength steel cable. Spectra fiber is made from a High Modulus Polyethylene (HMPE) that carries exceptional properties in relation to high strength, low stretch, low weight, and low friction. HMPE fiber is also considered the lightest of the high strength / high modulus fibers.

SPECIAL!
W&W made a special large inventory purchase of surplus Hollow Braid Polypropylene rope
just in time for the start of the soaring season. Supply is limited so don't wait to stock up on these.
500 foot rolls of the most popular and commonly used diameters all on reusable plastic spools.

1/4" Hollow Braid Poly Neon Green 500 foot spools $33.75 while remaining supply lasts just $23.00
1/4" Hollow Braid Poly Green/White 1,000 foot spools $65.00 while remaining supply lasts just $36.00
5/16 Hollow Braid Poly Black 500' spools $39.75 while remaining supply lasts just $29.00
3/8 Hollow Braid Poly White 500 ft spools $46.75 while remaining supply lasts just $30.00

From the manufacturers:
Breaking strength -- the measured load required to break a rope in tension; also called tensile strength.
Working load -- (or working strength) is the weight in pounds that is recommended for safe working conditions. It is applied to new rope in good condition with appropriate splices and only under normal service conditions. Where dynamic loading may occur, the recommended working load should be adjusted accordingly.
Rated strengths and working loads for Hollow Braid Poly in pounds (B/S1 and W/L/L2)
Rated strengths of poly rope in good condition as new, the strength will be reduced with wear and abrasion
1/4" Breaking strength 1238  Working Load 154
5/16" Breaking strength 1881 Working Load 235 
3/8" Breaking strength  2673 Working Load  334
 

Wellington" Splicing Fids

To be used with hollow braid and twisted ropes
Three pack contains: 1 each of 1/4", 1/2" and 1" plastic splicing fids
you'll find at least one size in this pack usable for  for all 1/4", 5/16" and 3/8" Poly and 1/5" and 1/4" Dacron ropes we offer
Splicing Fids 3 pack $5.65

Splicing hollow braid ropes
Hollow braid -- an easily spliced cord of a diamond braid construction; most common in nylon or polypropylene -This rope is constructed of 8, 12 or 16 strands with a hollow center.
The diamond braid construction of this cord is easy on the hands and allows quick splicing.
or......how I do it...

Start by heating the end of the rope until it begins to melt, then pull it through a rag (not your bare hands!)
to fuse the loose ends together.


Next, loop rope through the ring, I've used single loop, double loop and even plastic ferrules like those used on some boaters ropes. All these methods seem to work OK and none really better than the other. Expand the side of the rope at a point for the length of the splice you intend, (I use about a 3 foot splice) up from the end and insert the loose end into the hollow inside of the ropes braid. Boaters use FIDS like a needle to thread the rope but I've found these normally aren't necessary on Poly ropes but might be on other tighter braided rope types.

Splicing Fids

Continue to expand the the rope and push the loose end through the hollow braid (like Chinese finger cuffs) until all of the loose end is pulled through and there's no excess loop at the tow ring. Now by pulling on the ring and the rope beyond the place where the center piece was pushed through the outside rope will tighten back and lock the center rope in place.....This if done properly will NOT pull back out again without once again compressing the outer braid.

There may be other ways to do this and everyone has their own extras they like to use but all of these splices have worked well for me for well over 20 years of glider towing.
Obviously you will want to inspect the entire rope used for towing before using it to be certain that not only the splice is secure but that no other knots are found and the rope has not been damaged or weakened by wear or other abuse. If ever in doubt, replace the rope with a new one......there's a lot more hanging on the end than just a steel ring!

The above is not intended as an "approved" method for making tow ropes

TOST TOW REELS AND TOW ASSEMBLIES FOR TOWING AIRCRAFT ON FOLLOWING PAGES