I am not going to disagree. If you insist on trying to teach yourself then electric is probably easier. Why? Cause when you crash they tend to be more repairable. They typically weigh less, have a lower power to weight ration, and fly slower. Remember, we are talking trainers here, not hot brushless machines.

I strongly disagree that having someone teach you is redundant. The object of an instructor is to get you in the air, learn right from left, and take the airplane home in one piece. These skills are basic. You are right, once you are soloed you can start making new mistakes but these are advanced mistakes and are part of getting better. Gotta learn to walk before you can run.

As an example of electrics vs. power I bought my son an Ezette electric. He was used to flying my Headmaster and RCM trainer 60. He could fly the Ezette fine but crashed it 3 times from 30' altitude due to getting into a high speed stall. He got it going just slow enough and honked in elevator and rudder. Airplane stalled and snapped without enough altitude to recover. As I said before though, the airplane was repairable each time but he got tired of fixing it and flies power now.

Quite honestly, if you want to teach yourself I suggest a Slow Stick and 2 or 3 battery packs. Break it, tape it back together and try again.

BUT, I really don't understand why someone doesn't want to join a club and get an instructor. One of the joys of this hobby is meeting and interacting with a bunch of other addicts! The social part of the hobby is as important to me as the building and flying.

Just my opinion.