bgc,
No a "warbird" is generally not a good second plane.
Yes, very good choice for your first plane. I highly recommend this plane for anyone new-the best trainer I have used here for the "newbies".
If you like to build try an Astro Hog from Sig. If you don't try any of the "Ugly Stick" type ARF's
Most importantly-stick with it, don't let setbacks set you back
and ask a lot of questions! I only cringe to think of the progress I could have made years ago with something like R/C Universe to help out!
Jetts