Do yourself a favor Scubyfan, and get the Airtronic's RD series radio, and do not hesitate to buy the Magnum motors. You have both company's in So Ca should you ever have a problem.

My Son-n-Law and myself both fly the Explorer trainers for kicks, and they are a great (and very reasonably priced) plane to learn with.

We have ours set up with dual aileron servos, 45 ST's and they are a blast to fly when set up with maximum throw.
You do have to move the RX battery up into the tank area as they do tend to build a little tail heavy.

We also sealed all hinge lines.

BTW, Airtronics is great to deal with, as is HobbyPeople!

Gary