My first trainer was a Gentle Lady back in 1985 When I was in the Marines. Also had a 2m Bird of time. There was a slope on Pendleton that faced the ocean and we could fly our batteries dead with a little toss.
First power plane was the Spit. I have no idea what ARF kit it was but it was all white foam, I got it at Hobby Shack north of Anaheim. (notice the Tower System 3000???5000???) It lasted a while but the .35 enya (don't really remember) just wasn't enough for it. The gliders lasted alot longer. Moving around so much and going overseas I finally gave it up until last year when I found the Royal 40 in a friends garage all busted up. Joined a club and flew 6 gallons through it during the summer until the Funtana 40 came in the mail last August.
Man I hate winter!!!