swimman: Where do you fly in RI? My mother lives in Seekonk and I head up that way as often as I can (I live in NJ) and would love to bring one of my planes up with me some time.

Regarding the sim, I started out with a Tower 40 trainer, buddy box setup. I worked with the instructor off and on for a few months but work got me on travel often enough that I could not continue with the RC until travel slowed down. When It did, the NexSTAR was just coming out. I liked what I saw so I bought one. I flew the NexSTAR as well as the sim. The sim worked out to re-inforce what the instructor was teaching me so it really helped me out. I solo'ed with the NexSTAR then moved into a Tiger 60 that I still have and still fly. Over the past few years since solo'ing, I crashed only one plane and that was totally my fault. A few minor dings here and there, but no real saw-dust and splinters crashes except the one, a Goldberg Skylark 56. I am now into pattern and having a good time with it. So, as Chuck said, work with the instructor and use the sim as a background trainer to reinforce what the instructor has taught you, and practice practice practice.

DS.