My god man, that's what these forums are for! Seriously, steal away. There's no sense in not starting with all the info you can get. It does make sense to try new things on your own, and see what you like and what you don't like. Eventually, you'll figure out what you like.

For engines, the Webra .25 is the current hot engine. It's powerful, and generally easy to set up. I have 4 of them, and I like them a lot. But they arne't perfect, they don't always take crashing well, and I did have one break a conrod (it was replaced free by Horizon). But the OS is easier to set up and run, has very good power, and less downsides than the Webra. I've never run a Norvel .25, so I can't comment on them specifically. The OS is the most common engine in combat due to it's power, reliability, durability, and ease of running.

I don't consider myself a paint expert by any means.

I do my painting with household laytex paint these days. That's what the Firebrands are painted with. The p-47's were done with something out of a rattle can, but I forget what I used.

I do topcote the laytex with lustercote flat clear from topflight. I still have occasional problems with fuel proofing if I get in a rush and don't allow things to dry long enough, or I do a bad job with the clear coat. But it's been good enough for combat.

Using the plastic primer really helps the laytex stick to the plastic covering. But primer is heavy, so I use just a little of it, not even a solid coverage. It's not critical, it just helps.

One of the reaons I use laytex paint is that I don't have a good spraying area. I can shoot the laytex through an airbrush in my basement with out needing a full spray booth. The smell and fumes are less than I get when I repaint a room. The clear and primer I have to do outside though.