Tandem Cycling - I feel stupid - rear wheel won't come off

I consider myself pretty able when it comes to mechanical dealings (especially bikes) but I cannot seem to get this rear wheel off of my KHS Tandemania Comp. The rear hub axle is bolt on and the hub has a drum brake. I figured the drum brake had to be disengaged somehow but there appeared to be no way to do that other than taking the cable out of the locking nut.

Someone please enlighten me on what Im doing wrong

The Arai drum brake actuator cable needs to be pulled out of the quick-release / slotted hook bolt or pinch bolt in the brake arm, and then you loosen the bolt that holds the Arai's anchor arm to the slotted pac-man on the left chain stay. Once both of those are loose, the rear wheel should come out just like any other wheel. When re-installing, you just need to remember the extra step associated with getting the anchor arm's attachment bolt back into the pac-man slot. Tighten that bolt once the rear wheel is back where it belongs, then put the cable back into the slotted hook bolt / quick release or pinch bolt.

More information on the Arai can be found at the following two URLs:

http://www.precisiontandems.com/arai.htm

http://www.santanatandem.com/AraiDBrakeIns.pdf

Some drum brakes did not come with a QR setup and can be retrofitted.

Well thanks for pushing me in the right direction, I finally got it off. Seems like poor design to force you to remove the whole brake cable and everything to get the wheel off.

Glad I'm doing this now instead of when I inevitably have a flat, jeez

Seems like poor design to force you to remove the whole brake cable and everything to get the wheel off.

Hence, the quick release retro-fit kit....
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/ebikestop/items/004-CA8970

While the quick release is nice and I have two it is just as easy to remember to bring the right size Allen Wrench or box wrench is your carry along tools. It just a pain the first couple of times you do it. I't even more complicated with loaded panniers that's why when possible I have a kick stand that makes it much easier to change a rear tire. If you thinhk this is tough wait till you try to remove the Arai brake itself from the wheel.

The drumbrake QR kit is indeed a good investment.
Most new tandems with drum brake now come standard with the QR already in place. It's not a question of 'poor design'. To cut price/corners there are a few tandems left out there that let the buyer do the upgrading.
Just like adjustable stoker stems were unheard of. We had our first one custom made years ago, as there was no such thing on the market. Eventually manufacturers wise up and first offer it as a 'optional' equipment and later realize that 98% of the folks want/need it, and, are willing to pay for it.
So next thing you know, it becomes standard epuiment!
Enjoy the ride "TWOgether!"
Rudy and Kay/zonatyandem

I'm guessing somewhere along the line you might want to change out the solid axle for a QR set up too.