Glad you had a good time. As you have found out, ANY group/club has some "nasties" in it. I have found that the majority of RC people are quite friendly and willing to help someone.

As for the electric plane, it looks like one of offerings from NE Sailplane, and most likely powered by a brushless motor. Electrics have come A LONG WAY in the last couple of years. I recently bought a set up that gives me the power and performance of a 40 size plane, with flight times of ABOUT 10 minutes - and this is on NiMH batteries (can't afford LiPo).