I would have to agree that a Sig 4 Star 60 or a Goldberg Tiger 60 would have been a MUCH better choice. Both of them come in a kit version since you dont like ARF's much. I think I would seriously consider taking the Cap back and possibly exchanging it, because your LHS guy that recommended it to you apparently was just trying to sell you a plane instead of steering you towards what you REALLY needed. The Cap is not going to fly anything like a warbird. It's design is strictly for aerobatics, and you are going to be playing catch up with the airplane because of it's handling qualities instead being able to concentrate on actually learnign to fly a taildragger. The 4 Star or Tiger either one would make the transition go much smoother, and probably save you from re-kitting a plane.