Hi Mark:

I'm a 35 year old kid. Been flying these RC planes nearly 15 years now. My background is similar to yours growing up with U-control and all. Currently I'm into 1/4 scale gas and larger. Extras, Giles, Caps etc. I'm also my club instructor and teach this passion to new people like yourself.

I had a P-51 line control as a kid. I also had an ME 109 glow about 13 years ago, but had been flying R/C for a couple years, and had the trainer mastered. To date, I still have the ME 109. This was my first taildragger. They are tricky to fly. I crashed mine several times learning, but repaired it along the way. Keep in mind this was my 4th airplane, not my first.

If I read your thread correctly you mentioned that you bought a P-51 to learn on. I always take pride in trying to give good sound advice to people, and have to say that a P-51 will be difficult to learn on. In fact it probably won't survive the first week or even the first flight. These planes are what we call Hot. You need a trainer of some sort with a good hearty 40 sized engine. I recommend you check out a local club, see what they are using and revisit the local hobby shop.

The most important thing is to get a good instructor to show you the ropes. I use the buddy system. It's saved more airplanes than you can shake a stick at. Too many people go out by themselves, crash, get frustrated and throw in the towel before you experience the true joy of R/C.

Good Luck!

Doug