RE: Good second plane for 3D
Get something like a 4* 40, Magic-3D, Magic Extra or Sig SE for your 2nd plane- These will take you from trainer into a 3D capable aircraft- (Funtana, UCD etc.)
The guy who said the UCD is easy even with the rates up sounds a bit optimistic! Nobody I have worked with could make that transition SAFELY without a plane at least in between-