I learned on the Hobbico SuperStar and recommend it highly. It has plenty of power for a trainer with the 40LA. I just got a new Superstar to replace the original and am powering it with a 46. I'm amazed how much lighter the new one is without the epoxy from repairs. The Superstar is a favorite at our club and some of the experienced members fly them with modifications as a very capable sport plane. I think a big deciding factor in the decision between the Alpha and the Superstar would be which radio the instructors at your local club are using. If the local club flies JR I would tend toward the Alpha and if the radio of choice is Futaba I think the Superstar would be preferable.