gilerarunner, I am an instructor in Australia, and you mentioned above a liking for the Worldstar model from World Models. I have 2 of them i use to train pilots with. Ok , they are tricycle undercariage aircraft, and fitted with a 46LA motor , they are a dream to learn with. For your radio, check at the club field what radios they are using, especially the trainers radio, as you need to be compatable with his. My recommendation would be to get at least a 6channel computer radio in the same mode as your instructors,learn to fly the WOrldstar till you are very proficient at it, then when you are ready change the engine for a Supertigre 52, and fly that again doing all sorts of aerobatics, till you are really comfortable with flying. While you are doing all this flying you can be building your tail-dragger and when you are ready , the transition from trik to tail-dragger will be a non-event , as by then you are a highly experienced pilot. Welcome to the hobby , and i wish you many happy years of flying.
the_madgenius down under in Australia