I dunno about a 1500 foot runway, I fly off abou 30 ft by 330 ft. my local club field! and I fly everything from a umx SBACH too a 27% EXTRA!

ok as for trainers, you want too pick up a "kit" there are some very good kits left out there, SIG Kadets, and anuone of these would be a good start! http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0093p?&C=AAB

after building a few kits,and you start too see how and what it takes too build them, then you can start too think about drawing out your own designs!

I don't live in Seattle, west about 65 miles! but I do know there are some great guys closer too you! so keep an open eye out, someone will find ya!