Jeff, given the engine that you want to use, the Road Runner will give you the kind of experience you need to move to giants. It will give you great confidence in getting a tail dragger off the ground. It can do any acrobatics and some of the 3D stuff. Landings are a ball--my favorite pastime--because it will easily slow down to a crawl and sit down three point very easily. I've been flying RC for 49 years and the Road Runner is one plane I keep in my trailer all the time. I fly it every weekend.

I have a Brisson 2.4 on mine. I can get off the ground in about 10 ft or less or I can let it take the whole 450' on the mains. It will truly climb vertical out of sight. Again, I think it will do what you want, get you used to handling a big plane.

Rich