Schweizer TG-2 Trainer - $$6.95
After the war they were sold as surplus and quickly became sought after in civil soaring for their structural strength, lightness and their rugged all-metal design. The 2-8 became one of the most popular post war trainers in the USA
Schweizer TG-2 SGS 2-8 Training Glider Sailplane
The Schweizer's produced their eighth sailplane
design, the SGS-2-8 in 1938. Apart from the fabric
covering and some light wooden stringers to improve the shape
of the fuselage, it was all metal. The aluminum alloy skin over
the leading edge was fastened to the ribs and main spar with plated
self tapping screws as with the 1 - 6 and 1 - 7.
In service this proved entirely satisfactory. The Schweizer 2 - 8 fuselage was a light steel tube frame, the tail unit also, covered with fabric. The seats were in tandem. With the wing at shoulder level the rear pilot had a limited view but was aided by transparent panels in the fuselage sides below the wing. There was a landing wheel and the relatively thin wing, using the NACA 2412, 12% thick profile, was strut braced.
National Museum of Naval Aviation has a Schweizer TG-2...right here in good ol' P'cola. I've seen it hanging from the ceiling dozens of times--never really paid close attention to it though--too much eye candy everywhere....and new stuff every time I visit. Rob Carleen
There is one in the March Field Air Museum as well and probably The Planes of Fame at Chino, Ca. I think they were a real easy grab for air museums but they sure are pretty colors. Almost everyone hangs them because they have such a large wingspan and they are so light. I think the only time I saw the one at March down was for cleaning. Dan RM
FYI, TG-2's were used to train glider pilots at Palmdale, CA, who then moved to advanced training in CG-4 Invasion Gliders at Victorville, CA, and finally, March Field, Riverside. The pilots then moved on to the larger Waco built gliders for training at March Field before going overseas. CG-4 gliders transported men and equipment into Sicily, Normandy, the Rhine Rover crossing, Burma and Luzon in the Philippines. Fred V
Sweet model--wish I had some time to build it. Nice colors, too rob
Excellent!! This TG-2 reminds me of the one my dad got me a ride in on my 12th birthday. One of the highlights of my childhood. Will it fly? T. (sure)
I look at the TG-2 as the Cadillac of the training Gliders and thrill when I see it hanging at our local Air Museum. Big and roomy just like the Cadillac car..Bill S
Gentlemen, It's been about a year since last sent this info. Your Schweizer TG-2 model is killer, but you've made a small mistake in your documentation. One of the photos you show on the TG-2 page is actually not a TG-2! It's the one labeled as "The Schweizer TG-2 displayed from the ceiling at the USAF Museum Dayton, OH." The ship in your photo is actually a Laister Kauffman LK-10, while somewhat similar to a TG-2 it's just not the same plane! With all the attention to detail you guys show on all your other documentation you really might want to correct this little error. Yes there's blue on the fuselage, yes there's yellow on the wings, but it stops just about there. If you need additional info to make the ID then just reply to this email. I'm restoring a TG-2 and I'd be happy to provide you with photos of the differences. Keep up the good work, Jon Aldridge, Springfield, Missouri....Thanks Jon took care of it! :) (2/22/10)
Schweizer TG-2
After the prototype was crashed in a spinning accident,
the nose was lengthened to move the balance point forward. After
this the Schweizer 2 - 8 was very successful as a sailplane and
made some very good cross country and altitude flights. The world
height record climb by Lewin Barringer in 1940, 14,948 feet, was
not recorded by the FAI in Paris, presumably because Paris at
the time had been occupied by the German army.
When the US Army began its glider pilot training program in 1941, the Schweizer 2-8 was adopted as the TG-2 (Training Glider-2) and a total of 57 was reached before Schweizer's were instructed to change to a wooden training glider, to conserve aluminum alloy. Still remembered mainly as the Schweizer TG-2, the military versions were offered for sale very cheaply after the end of the war and were used extensively by civilian pilots and gliding clubs. A very few of the type remain in service. There's a TG-2 on display at the Wright-Patterson USAF Museum, Dayton Ohio.
 Schweizer TG-2 Wing Prof lie |
The
Schweizer SGS 2 - 12 was developed to meet the US Army's requirement
for a two seat trainer without aluminum alloy in its structure.
There were other military requirements which resulted in a somewhat
heavy aircraft, but with the wing mounted low on the fuselage,
the instructor in the rear cockpit had a reasonably good view.
114 of the Schweizer TG - 3 were built.
As with the Schweizer TG-2, those remaining at the end of hostilities were sold cheaply. Stripped of their military equipment they proved useful to gliding clubs.
 The Schweizer TG-2 canopy is about is long and as pilot friendly as possible. Look how it also lends itself to being modeled in clear plastic film. |
 Showing the stepped-up tail assembly of the Schweizer SGS 2-8 (TG-2) |
 The instructors(rear) section of the TG-2 cockpit has easy access and even easier degrees! |
 This frontal view of the Schweizer SGS 2-8 (TG-2) shows how narrow the fuselage cross- section really is. |
 The Schweizer TG-2 rudder stripes and the pre WWII stars on the wings are a lovely touch |
 This photo of the Schweizer TG-2 looking down the wing shows clearly the rivets attaching the aluminum leading edge to the metal spar |
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 The SGS-2-8 Schweizer Sailplane comes in for a gentle landing. The Fiddlers Green model of this CG-2 has these markings. |
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 Your Schweizer TG-2 Training Glider comes with an additional large version that's totally bright yellow. Photo taken at Tortilla Flat, Az (pop 8) |
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To help with
the building, here are some photos of the TG-2 Glider parts |
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Thanks to Bob Martin |
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Thanks to Jim Duckworth |
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Specifications for the Schweizer TG-2
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Crew: Two Wingspan: 52 ft Wing area: 214 ft² Aspect ratio: 12.6 Wing profile: NACA 4412 Empty weight: 450 lb Gross weight: 860 lb Performance Maximum speed: 72 mph Maximum glide ratio: 23 at 42 mph Rate of sink: 165 ft/min |