Thanks Frank

for what it is worth she is serial number 1771. As far as I know this makes her
a T59D Series two.


As for the gap seals. This glider was recently professionally refurbished, and
is immaculate, apart from the layer of dust. There is presumably room for some
canopy and control rod sealing as she makes a characteristic, and loud howl at
just about any speed. I can't say whether this is heard from the cockpit, as I
have never flown her.

The conditions were strong thermals and into a very light headwind, but she
certainly ran away from my Std Cirrus. I was unable to out climb the Kestrel,
but conversely was able to hold my own. This achieved by doing the Cirrus party
trick of digging the wing in and making really tight turns in the core of the
thermal. Whether the Kestrel is unable to turn as tight, or the pilot was being
kind I don't know.

He has commented that you don't generally change the stick trim, just change the
flaps to change speed.