For me, the LT40 ARF has been the perfect trainer. I've never flown mine with the tricycle gear; I converted it to a taildragger before I even started flying. Dubro nylon main gear, Great Planes 1 1/4" tailwheel assembly, 3.5" Sullivan Skylite main wheels. I"m using the Evolution .46NT engine, presently turning a MAS K series 12x4 prop. Lots of thrust there, the plane has almost unlimited vertical, and is pretty aerobatic (as far as my skills are concerned).