Ice-Man is right - Go to a local flying field and check out what equipment is being used. I would strongly encourage that you not learn alone. You will most likely crash your new airplane. get your AMA card/ insurance and then join a club. Get with an instructor to first learn the basics and solo. You need to know what your local flying club is using in the way of buddy boxes. Most support Futaba and JR, but you still need to check. If you were joining our club I would recommend the Hobbico Superstar 40. OS engine with Futaba electronics. There are other good trainers, but this one is certainly one that I would recommend. I would also encourage you to purchase a G.P. Generation 2 flight simulator. The benefit is 'stick time' regardless of the weather or time of day. New pilots who work on flight simulators just seem to grab the basics much faster. Also, get a good field box with a starter. Many times guys show up with nice airplanes, but they cut corners on the field stuff only to end up spending more later on. Do it right the first time and get the stuff you need to make the first time experience a positive one.

You may want to check out a local swap meet to get a quality trainer. Just make sure you have someone with you to inspect the product before you buy. Also, make sure you replace the Rx. battery regardless of what the person selling the airplane tells you.

Good luck and hope this helps.