Oasis,
First, welcome to RCU and the great world of RC flight! There are a lot of terrific people involved in this hobby, and some of them even show up here every once in a while! [sm=biggrin.gif] That is also one of the biggest reasons to join a club. I fly alone sometimes, but really prefer the comraderie of having other guys around; to laugh with, pick on, and just to shoot the breeze between flights. You WILL learn more quickly with others around.

Zimbo,
Thanks for the compliment! [sm=redface.gif]

Oasis,
If you are h3LL bent on learning by youself, I'd recommend a couple things; 1) get a flight simulator. FMS is free and fairly good. It will at least train your fingers to turn whether you're coming or going. You can make, or buy, a cord to interface between your transmitter (Tx) and your PC. (Here's a link for the interface. $22 shipped I think. http://www.mattclement.freeservers.com/fms/fms.html ) 2) as was suggested, start with an electric GWS Slow Stick. With standard size radio gear the overall cost once you transition to glow will be less than other park flyer type electrics.

For a radio, if you're serious about 6 channels, I'd second (or third?) the recommendation for a computer radio. 6 channels, non-computer, is not worth the cost. If you can't afford to go computer, just get 4 channels and save for the computer radio. It will be quite a while before you'll be ready for flaps or camera equipment. (Next spring probably.) Futaba 6EXA or 6 XAS are very good 6 channel computer radios.

If you're still going glow, any of the ARF's you mentioned will be fine. The Sig LT 40 is one of the best, but others are decent too. Go with a 46 size engine. It will serve you better in your next, (low wing?) plane. OS 46 LA is okay in spite of people disliking it, the Magnum and Thunder Tiger (PRO!) are both good. Top of the line is probably the OS 46 FX. It is also the most expensive.

My guess is, that if you try to fly glow on your own, you will spend more than $200 extra while trying to learn. Plus a lot of frustration and anger with yourself. It just ain't worth it to most.

Why not join one of those clubs with the Canadian version of AMA (MAAC is it?), learn to fly, then decide whether the club thing is right for you. It's an initial expense that you may spend on crashes anyway. But if you really enjoy the guys at the field, you may find the added cost well woth it.

What ever you decide, I wish you great success and hours of fun!

Keep us posted,
Dennis-