ORIGINAL: jester_s1
Going that large is going to cost you a lot more than a traditional balsa trainer will, even if you buy everything new. Gassers need bigger servos, bigger landing gear and tires, bigger hardware, etc, and that all adds up. If you want your best shot at getting started in the hobby the traditional balsa wood trainer is the way to go. It will be built right and it will fly well.
What Jester said is very good and sound advice.
Ken<br type=''_moz'' />
+2
Though I would NOT recommend Craigslist for a beginner.
A beginner does not know what to look for, nor how to spot a good trainer versus problematic hardware, etc.
Tower or Horizon starter packages coupled with finding and joining a club ( in reverse order ) are a safer way to assure success.