Hello Tom,
The 1-26 is a good glider, but do you live in an area that can
provide enough lift to fly this glider? If you were in the eastern
Oklahoma area, I would say, don't get one. You will never
leave the airport area or if you do get away, there is a very
good chance that you will never return. If you can fly where
there is good lift, ridge, wave or thermal, then get a 1-26.
Have you flown a 1-26? If not, go sit in one for a couple hours
and see how you fit.

Where is your flying field and are there other 1-26 flying there?

I would recommend that you find a partner or two to get a
better glider. Whatever you get, make sure that it comes with
a good trailer so that it will be easier for for your ground crew
can retrieve you from your landouts.

Randy