I will have to second the concept of deciding on a plane and going for it.

I returned to RC a few months ago after an 11 year hiatus. I read this and the "other forum" for about 2 months and evntually confused myself with info overload.

Jumped in and bought my first plane and purchased the gear that others were using in it with apparent success.

Once I started assembling the equipment it all started to come together. Only then did I learn what I was uninformed about and could seek help here.

I'm not into pattern (too old and the brain doesn't operate that fast), but I've read good things about Gary Wright's E3D plane and he uses relatively inexpensive "RC car can motors" with good results.

http://gwmp.net/e3d/default.htm

Sierra Gold