I would definately go ahead and get the slot machine.. I wouldn't want to cut all thos eslots by hand!

Also the 6EXA is a great first radio.. Got plenty of channels to work with...

Go ahead and make the plane a Taildragger IMHO... Taildraggers handle rogh fields and high grass better... Plus chances are your going to go with a SIG 4* or somthing similar for your second airplane which will be a taildragger.. Taildraggers are not any harder to handle than a trike gear and I believe you will find it's easy epsecially if you had RC cars for 8 years.

I don't know if you listed this or not but nyou might want tmo buy some fiberglass cloth to Glass the center of your wing together...

I've gotten to where I don't like to use CA but use Woodglue.. The going won't be quite as fast but you can make sure your parts are aligned correctly to ensure a straight and true airframe! Also if you use CA for enough years you develop allergies to it (SO ive heard) and can hardly stand to use it... Why start now?

I personally keep 5 and 15 minute epoxy's on hand.. 15 min. for joining wing halves and attatching tailfeathers... 5 Minute for things like fuelproofing your firewall and tank bay. Plus you'll find so many uses for epoxy you'll always try to keep some on hand. I've never used Debonder for CA.. Just don't screw up

I'd go mwith 3 inch foam main wheels and a Sullivan Taiwheel bracket..

Depending on your engine.. 10 oz. should be plenty for any .46 sized in a .40 size trainer... 12-14 oz. may fit in the tank bay and will provide much longer flights! Kind of your own personal preferance here.. And whatever will of course fit in the tank bay!

There should be no need to pin the hinges on a trainer unless of course they're not installed correctly...

Of course if you have a digi cam I believe we'd like to watch your progress!

More to come!

Regards,
Cody