I have a thought for you, becuase you are already used to EDF but havn't flown a heavy fiber glass model why not move up to a larger fiberglass EDF jet.
Take a look at the jet teng models xxx -
http://www.usarcjets.com/cgi-bin/sho...9.htm#Jets!JTM
It's a $1200 jet that's very well built, put it together EDF and fly it for a few months and get your wavier with it which you can even to on electric (unless something has chaged)
Then sell of the EDF unit, and convert the plane to turbine
just another option for you