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1. 08:49 AM - Re: Re: Sailplane-List Digest: 1 Msgs - 06/05/06 (TELEDYNMCS@aol.com)
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| Subject: | Re: Sailplane-List Digest: 1 Msgs - 06/05/06 |
Hi Richard,
As far a modern sailplanes go, the 1-26 really doesn't measure up,
performance wise. Yes, there were a boat load of them built (500+) Yes, they can
be
soared and long flights have been made in them, but they perform only slightly
better than a modern hang glider in glide and won't begin to stay with a
modern hang glider in sink rate. All in all, it takes a pretty good day east of
the Mississippi to keep a 1-26 aloft. It is a good, simple, rugged basic
trainer, though. There is quite a cult following with the 1-26, so if you get
one
cheap enough there is a market for them. If you are more interested in the
restoration than soaring performance a 1-26 could be a fun project. I have a
friend who is restoring one now and he's having a ball.
I also have another friend who restored a Schleicher Ka-6 CR a couple of
years ago. The Ka-6 is wood and fabric, as opposed to the tube, fabric and sheet
metal 1-26 construction. The big difference is the Ka-6 has considerably
better performance than the 1-26, but is similarly priced and holds its value
similar to the 1-26. If you want a "floater" with 30 to 1 performance, the Ka-6
is the glider of choice in this price range. The Ka-6 is also an excellent
trainer, but it's not quite as rugged as the 1-26, IMO.
There are also a number of "good buys" for restoration in composite
sailplanes, too, but you mentioned that you weren't interested in composites.
Anyway, hope it helps!
Regards,
John Lawton
Matthew's Field (TN89)
Whitwell, TN
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