Hi Smithy,
The Tomahawk is a fine trainer, go and enjoy it! Yes it is different from the C152 in the way it handles, but it has merits of its own, and when you become competent on both types, you will be well skilled to transition to a wide variety of types.
I agree with all of the positive comments presented here. The only caution with respect to the type will not apply to you, and that is that even a very experienced pilot should be checked out on its takeoff handling before going solo. They will easily get into a pilot induced oscillation (PIO), and you can bang the nosewheel hard. Having lots of "T" tail Arrow time, I jumped into one alone, and startled myself during takeoff. It was successful but not profesional looking! Once I got used to its different handling, I had no problem going in and out of a 1500' grass runway. It is very roomy, and as said, excellent visibility. It will also accelerate very quickly when pointed down. Fun if you're dog fighting, but un-nerving if you're recovering from unusual attitudes!
The "T" tail is cool looking, but perhaps not the best idea in hindsight - it's also hard to brush clean of snow or frost, should that be a factor in your flying. Winter is a reason they are not as common in Canada - low wing types are less happy with snow banks beside runways, taxiways and tiedown spaces.
Don't pay any attention to those who's messages describe aircraft with words like "gastly". It' sound to me like such people are unhappy to be involved in flying, and attempting to discourage others as well.
Oh, and by the way, (IO 540) poor maintenance, though it certainly affects a particular aircraft, is not the fault of the design, or a characteristic of all aircraft of that type! IO 540, when you eventually walked out of that flying school, was it because they asked you to leave? Poor attitude perhaps? What aircraft type do you own?
We're here to support and encourage each other, right?
Smithy, go and have fun. Find an instructor who really enjoys teaching, and learn all the skills you can. Listen to all of the helpful comments of your peers.
It is my opinion that the only "trauma" in a well maintianed Tomahawk, is a closed minded pilot. If my home runway were not a "rough field", with snow banks at both sides a few months of the year, I'd be very happy to own a Tomahawk.
Cheers, Pilot DAR