RE: which plane to get?
Well if you really want to try on your own, there is always the [link=http://www.duraplane.com/]Duraplane[/link] route. Unless you lawn dart these things you really cant break the fuselage and shaft. Just replace the wings and tail when they take a hit.
With the duraplane you also get a traditionally functioning plane. And you can move your radio and engine to your next plane.