For best trainer, if you're willing to build, I would recommend the SPAD Debonair (www.spadtothebone.com), or the similar kit Aircore Trainer. If you go with a wood ARF, assemble the wing carefully, and consider glassing the joint. I saw a wing fold on a Tower trainer last week, and from what I could see, the guy had assembled it exactly to the instructions.

The only reason to go with a .60-sized plane is if your eyesight is not perfect, so you'd prefer a bigger plane.

For first radio, I suggest the Tower Hobbies 4 channel basic radio, just because it's so inexpensive. If you get addicted, you'll have plenty of urges to buy better radios. At that point, I'd suggest the Hitec Flash 5, a very reasonably priced computer radio.

Aside to Kevin: I don't understand the comment about filling out the profile. I don't think I filled mine out, and I didn't know the soundness of my opinions were being judged by my lack of profile. It's quite possible to use RC Universe for a long time and not know the profile even exists!