Hi Zach,

You invited me to the conversaiton, so let me throw in my 2 cents.

JR 6102 - Excellent choice IF you can get it with light servos
and receiver. I believe there is a package that comes that way.
Othwise the servos and receiver will be too big and heavy for
most of the planes you are considering.

Now, you know I also started on an Aerobird and still fly it
all the time in additon to all my other parkies, gliders, slopers and DLG.

I left the Stinsen because of the planes you listed that is the one I like best.

If you are going Lipo, now is a good time to do it before
you develop a large inventory of NIMH or NICD packs.
The Aerobird packs can be used in other planes, so do take
that into consideration. I have used them in several myself.

From a battery pack point of view I have standardized on two
connectors, The little red BEC/GWS style connector for under
5 amps and the Deans ultra for all others. This way I can swap
packs between planes easily. Makes it easy to have the right
charger adapter as well.


As for planes - let me give you a few more to consider.
I am assuming you will be getting the JR radio, so no RTFs on this list.


These are 3 channel planes that have ailerons. Lots of fun, one less servo needed

Multiplex Space Scooter - ARF
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGZV4&P=7
Video
http://www.bungymania.com/videos/fil..._sun_stunt.wmv

Zagi XS - ARF
http://zagi.com/index.php?main_page=...&products_id=1
Video page
http://www.zagi.com/index.php?main_p...812dbc8b76c42f


IFO - Easy to build kit
Demo at the 2000 Tournament of Champions
http://www.wildrc.com/htmlpages/movies/toc2000.mpg
Flying Combat in a gym
http://www.wildrc.com/htmlpages/movies/mk3combat.mpg


FOUR CHANNEL AILERON TRAINERS
These planes introduce the full set of flight controls consisting of
ailerons/elevator/rudder/throttle. They are a logical next step for the
pilot who wants to take their flying skills to full 4 channel control. All of
these planes can perform aerobatics, but are primarily designed as 4 channel
trainers with high wing designs . This makes them easier to fly but less
aerobatic than the mid or low wing planes. ARF & Kits
You can use your JR to do rudder to aileron mixing, flapperons,
flapperon to elevator mixing and other cool stuff


Mountain Models has a large number of very easy to build kits. Many have
two wings, a slow fly 3 channel wing and a 4 channel aileron wing. Why not have both?


Magpie - with both wing kits - $55
Easy to build Foam kit -
Has trainer wing AND and aileron sport wing
Master the first, then advance to the second.
http://www.mountainmodels.com/magpie.php
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...51#post3502851
Video
http://www.mountainmodels.com/Magpie.wmv

SmoothE - $50
Easy to build Balsa and foam
4 channel aileron trainer
http://www.mountainmodels.com/smoothe.php
Funny video
http://www.mountainmodels.com/SmoothEsmall.WMV

Mountain Models Dandy Sport - $45
http://www.mountainmodels.com/dandysport.php
Complete Package $155
Video
http://www.mountainmodels.com/ds1.wmv

GWS E-starter 400 - Simple Foam Kit - $50
http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_inf...roducts_id=551
Available as a ARF complete package kit with radio - $150
http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_inf...roducts_id=611

GWS Tiger Moth 400 - Simple Foam Kit - $70
http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_inf...roducts_id=203
Complete kit including Radio - $175
http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_inf...roducts_id=658
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=345
http://67.18.81.100/rcuvideos/magazi...345/TM400m.wmv


Multiplex Magister ARF - $110
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXGZV2&P=ML
This plane is much larger than the others
Close to a .40 glow trainer in size
Review
http://www.smoothair.ca/reviews/Magister/magister.htm
Video - This is not with the standard motor
this plane has an upgraded brushless motor
http://plawner.net/video/magister_funday.wmv


So, now you have more to look at.

Not a bad plane in the bunch so you can decide which look good, or go with the Stinsen, or something else. Enjoy! Enjoy!