RE: is this a good somewhat beginner plane?
The single most common problem beginners have is choosing the first plane - warbirds are terrible first planes because they are tough to fly, are not at all forgiving and fly fast due to high wing loadings - some basics that might help you to choose here:
[link=http://www.ampaviators.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=32&Itemid=31]Beginner Thoughts[/link]
One of the best to start with is the Hobby Zone Super Cub - my review here:
[link=http://www.ampaviators.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=28]Super Cub Review[/link]