ORIGINAL: kdheath
There is a terrific article from Stunt News by many times US champ Ted Fancher that explains the whys and wherefors of flaps. He strongly recommends starting with a siimple flapless plane, because flaps really complicate the trimming process. Flaps are there mostly to allow stunt models to fly at higher wing loadings. He considers flaps a hinderance at the basic level. If you want a copy of the article, e-mail Curt Nixon at PAMPA Products (hope the link works) and tell him you need a copy of Fancher's Doctor article. Well worth the understanding it'll bring.
http://www.control-line.org/Portals/...A_Products.pdf
Edit: think I found most of the typos...
If your interest is eventually stunt, you might also want to pick up plans of the Doctor or Medic that the article came with. The Doctor uses a modern .35 or .40 (if I remember correctly), and the Medic uses a modern .25. Excellent article, excellent planes. The Medic would match up to a LA .25, and there are LOTS of other planes that use a .25 if you decide to start with that size.
Plans and article reprent all available from PAMPA, as Keith mentioned.
George