rod, i was in the same position as you 2 months ago..may i sugegst the T-HAWK..from readytoflyfun.com..heres why...its ready to fly{no building}..costs 159.00..and comes with 2 wings 2 tails 2 batteries as extras...is durable}and you need durability cause you will be crashin}...comes with metal servo wires instead of fishing line{like the aerobird or other rtf planes}...has adjsutable throttle control which means it will glide very slowly..or do up to 25 mph...and the customer service is 2nd to none...and all t-hawk components are industry standard and can be taken out and moved to another plane if you decide to stay with the hobby...also...its a pusher plane which means when you have crashes..you wont be snappin props..or bending engine shafts..etc...if your lookin for something you want to build..then you will see that the slow.stick will win the popular vote...just be prepared when you crash it..to be spending money on props...and possibly doing motor damage..and i say this only because of the 100"s of posts i have read regarding the slowstick from 1st time flyers...with that said..the slowstick is undeniably the most recommended 1st timers plane..mostly because it goes so slow....but once again..the t-hawk can go slow..or fast...id rather have the options the t-hawk offers..good luck whatever you choose..and wait for a CALM day.. AND fly in a BIG field..with no trees..or buildings...