The published empty weight of the self-launch Silent Club is 170 kg (375 lbs). I assume that this is without options such as the tip-up canopy and steerable tailwheel?

You are correct. The published weight is that of the basic glider without fuel. With polyurethane paint, cockpit paint, hinged tip-up canopy, steerable tailwheel, aero-tow nose hook, auxiliary battery, large instrument panel, radio, headset, etc. the empty weight can easily creep up to around 190 kg (418 lbs).

The self-launch Silent 2 and Silent 2 TARGA have the additional advantage of lighter carbon wings allowing slightly more weight for the pilot and flight gear (although the TARGA does have the additional weight of the retractable landing gear). Regardless of the aircraft, we strongly recommend that you take your own weight and airport conditions (runway length, altitude, temperature) into account when deciding on options. It is very easy to make any aircraft heavy.

The design intent of the Silent series of sailplanes focuses on simplicity and light weight. Ask questions like, "Are two variometers, large instrument panel, steerable tailwheel, etc. really necessary?" More is not ... more.

You are correct. The published weight is that of the basic glider without fuel. With polyurethane paint, cockpit paint, hinged tip-up canopy, steerable tailwheel, aero-tow nose hook, auxiliary battery, large instrument panel, radio, headset, etc. the empty weight can easily creep up to around 190 kg (418 lbs).

The self-launch Silent 2 and Silent 2 TARGA have the additional advantage of lighter carbon wings allowing slightly more weight for the pilot and flight gear (although the Silent 2 TARGA does have the additional weight of the retractable landing gear). Regardless of the aircraft, we strongly recommend that you take your own weight and airport conditions (runway length, altitude, temperature) into account when deciding on options. It is very easy to make any aircraft heavy.

The design intent of the Silent series of sailplanes focuses on simplicity and light weight. Ask questions like, "Are two variometers, large instrument panel, steerable tailwheel, etc. really necessary?" More ... more.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.