snip I've seen a few gliders (as T8 describes) out west retro-fitted
with Applebay nose (under nose actually) hooks, which retract flush after
release. Similar in design to the Schreder releases. Rather cheaper to
install than TOST options, if available.

Frank Whiteley
snip

I don't think George's release mechanism is certified and is only
retrofittable to experimental gliders. I was discussing this very subject
yesterday with a friend who has an Applebay release mounted about 18-24
inches aft of the nose of his Mini Nimbus. He's very happy with it and, I
must say, it looks good and is much lower drag than a similarly located Tost
release.