the escapade seems to be more of a .35 sized plane than a .40-.55 with an os .46 la (about the same hp as a .32 engine) the plane has plenty of power.
a friend of mine has one with an ax46 and it has unlimited vertical, rocketship style.
honestly i would recommend a big stick. It will teach you how to fly on the wing of the plane rather than the engine. The big stick is much more forgiving and will do much more than your trainer, it will also handle wind better than the escapade or your trainer. the big stick is bigger than the escapade. slower than the escapade (more reaction time), slows down easier, stalls slower....on and on
the escapade is a good yank and bank plane for tearing holes in the sky but i dont think its a great second plane


engine wise the magnum .46 is not a bad engine....to bad its 100 bucks now instead of 80.... they just take a long time to break in
supertigres are decent engines, again longer breakin. (i really like the 51)
gms engines are my favorite....to bad they are not making them anymore
os engines are ok...expensive and short lived (may last 40 gallons compared to 100+ again 40 gallons is a long time so i wouldnt worry about that too much unless you fly everyday) ....but if you do not fly every weekend and do not have the time to breakin an engine these work well.

tt engines are decent they work well