Samsdad,
I don't believe it's ever too soon, as long as you have confidence in your own abilities. Don't be afraid to ask someone to help you. It's nice to have a more experienced warbird pilot help you with trimming out your aircraft. The Zero seems to be a very good flying airplane, although I have no axis planes. I fly the American and British Warbirds. My first warbird was a Spitfire, then a Corsair, then a P-51, and whatever else I choose. Warbirds are not trainers or aerobats. You should never depart Mother Earth until you have flying speed. Watch the landings as not to get too slow and tip stahl. You are going to get a whole lot of advice here, as does every newbie that asks this question. You have to make the final decision as to when you are ready. I taught myself and did the best I could. Yes, I have had a few mishaps, but overall, I've done quite well. I feel confident enough to fly any plane I take to the field. I have been doing this for about 12 years now. The important thing is to pay attention to the basics. I highly recommend a flight simulator with Warbirds on the program to start with. There is no monetary loss when you crash on the sim. Practice, practice, practice! I do all the time. I have the G2 flight sim and I fly all of the Warbirds, jets and civilian planes. I fly on line with other R/C pilots also. Good luck.

"Keep 'Em Flying!"
Flak