Thanks for all the replies, guys!
I actually got to fly my own first plane last night - a Thunder Tiger Trainer 40, with irvine 53 engine. I did 'lose it' a couple of times, but my instructor took over quickly. Turning left and right was ok, but I kept forgetting to pull the nose back up, which raised a few smiles! Also, I will need to do some adjustments to the plane, as it has a tendancy to climb. A few more washers under the rear engine bolts to produce a bit more down thrust is required, apparently.
Thanks again,
Texy