I'll throw in my thoughts here as well.

I started with a NexStar - all in kit that was a RTF. I thought it was a great way to get into the sport. Everything was there - including the 4 channel radio/engine and I simply had to snap on the tail and wings and was ready to fly. Great for a newbie.

I flew that plane for about 5 months, first on the buddy box, then solod, then proceeded to get disoriented once and drilled it into the ground.

My point is this....several people at my club told me that your trainer is a "throw-away" plane...you will either crash or you will outgrow it. When I heard that, I first took that as the more mature flyers just being a little insensitive, but I too learned. Unfortunately, I succumbed to the former and drilled it into the ground and it hurt - my feelings and pocket book, but it was nice since I didn't have tons of hours invested in building it.

I have replaced it with a Sky Raider ARF from World Models - cause it was cheap - $67 and I didn't think I was ready for the step up plane and I'm building a T-craft that's just about finished which I will fly after I spend some time with my Sky Raider.

My point is this...I hope you don't do what I did and turn your trainer into confeti, but if you do, you'll be glad you didn't spend loads of time building it. In my case, a few dollars was easier to shell out than another 60+ hours building another kit.

Also, I'm no expert pilot, but my 4 channel Futaba cheapie that came with the NexStar is a great TX - I don't think I'll have a need to upgrade at least for a year or so.

Good luck on your decision and I hope my experience helps a little.

Scott