You may want to look into the radio you are considering. I am not sure about exponential on it. Make sure it has that, if you are considering a plane that is 3D capable. To have the controls as radical to do 3D moves, you need something to take the sensitivity out around the center of your sticks, to keep you out of trouble. Most of us flying 3d specific planes put them on high rates and leave them there. With the expo, you have allot of control when the plane slows down when you need it, but not so much that you are over-reacting to slight stick moves.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND this plane as a second airplane. It is a little close coupled and can get to be a hand full very quickly. If you want a good beginners 3D plane the Magic ARF, for $99.00 is hard to beat and fairly rugged and forgiving. It will fly well on your trainer engine since it usually weighs about 3.5 pounds. I had one with a .40 FP and Mac's pipe, ran an APC 12.25X3.75 prop and it would hover at about 3/4 throttle and land like a butterfly. But I was using a Computer radio with expo in it. You may want to spend a little more on the radio and look into the FUTABA 7CA. It should satisfy your growing need for bigger and better and more capable, longer than the EX.

Good Luck!