Holy Moley, guys/gals. Thanks for all of your informative replies. I really appreciate it!

My stance on this endeavor, is simply this: I don't know all of the terminology yet, I dont know how or why one would delete one control option and add another instead, and adding in stuff like retracts and stuff... I need to get up to speed on all of this so I understand it better before I build the kit, and moreover would like my first kit build to be built as it was intended so I can just get out and fly. I want it to be simple. My plan is when I am comfortable flying, and have several flights under my belt, I plan to get my dad flying as well. He used to fly CL Cox .049 planes back when he was a kid (He's 55 now) and RC flight appeals to him more than the CL planes do. He's wanted to fly for many years but didnt have the information, or courage to do so. So, this is kind of a joint effort on my part to learn to fly and also get him into it also.

So, I will re-investigate the radio situation as I do not know where this adventure may end up. I've got interest in a multi-engine craft of some sort, but thats a far off place from now. Perhaps I buy a 6 or 7ch radio now, and when I'm ready for the "big boys" I'll step up to a 8 or 9ch radio and pass the Trainer and 6/7ch onto my Father. I'll just have to see.

I think I'll run off to the library in the next day or two and grab a few model airplane books to kinda get brought up to speed on the terms and functions of model aircraft.

Right now, I'm still kinda leaning towards the 6ch Spektrum radio, and the LT-40 kit; However I will keep the other options listed in mind. I have a truck, so hauling a bigger plane around isnt going to be an issue but I dont want to get all crazy right away. I've been so scared of flying a plane that I am really set on keeping it simple and easy. If I crash it, I crash it. I'll learn a lesson from it and build another one. Its bound to happen, and I know its happened to veteran pilots as well. Its a bummer, no doubt but one must learn somehow.

I still have not heard back from the local club so I will send another email out. I hope they're still flying out there so I can go talk to a few pilots and get a little info from them as well.

If anyone has other ideas or suggestions, keep them coming. I'm keeping an open mind here and am doing my homework beforehand.