At 14:27 06 July 2008, Nyal Williams wrote:
I started off in primaries; the Schweizer 1-26 is a WHOLE LOT BETTER than
a
primary glider. The 1-26 will soar and a primary won't in any ordinary
circumstances.

Certainly - just my little joke at a glider that I truly enjoy
flying. (Although I would jump at the chance to fly a
primary glider just for the fun of it.) And let me correct
my words when my brain slipped out of gear with my fingers:

The ratio of completed projects to *started* projects
is pretty small.

The suggestion to buy a production glider in ratty shape
and do the restoration work yourself is an excellent idea.
You can get an early model 1-26 with ragged fabric for
practically nothing, and you'll get all kinds of experience,
including the art of applying aircraft fabric. Note that you
would have to work with an aircraft mechanic during the
project to keep it all safe and legal.

I think we're back to the basic questions that we've all
been guessing at. What is your current situation, and
what is it that you really want? Is low cost the primary
concern? Is being able to say that *you* built the glider
you're flying very attractive to you? The important thing
is to end up with the glider that fits *you*, not what the
rest of us think is the best idea.

Jim Beckman