ORIGINAL: 1QwkSport2.5r
I have sent emails to 3 different local clubs (the farthest club I emailed is about 45 miles away from me) and have heard nothing back. I think the season is about over here. One member of one of the clubs offered to meet with me and show me the ropes a bit this year, but the wind has been so bad the last few days, nobody in their right mind would fly a plane. SO, as far as the club thing goes, I think I'm out of luck until spring.
I put zip code 55016 in the ama club search
http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx and it returned 9 clubs within 25 miles. All have a phone number listed. Don't wait on an email reply. Call the contact and try to arrange a time to meet some of the instructors or other members.
I agree with your thought of getting a kit and building it 'per plan' rather than redesigning the wing to convert a 3 channel kit to 4. Save the mods for a future build. The LT-40, with a 46 engine, is a great choice.
I tend to buck the system on radio choice. My thought, get a fairly simple 4 to 6 channel system to start. If a local shop has lots to choose from, see what feels comfortable. If you'll be using a neck strap when flying, use it when picking a radio. If you need/want 'more radio' in the future, give the basic radio to a new guy to help him get started.