I just started in RC airplanes recently myself. I started with a Hobbico Avistar, which is a trainer type plane, and it wasn't smooth sailing. I have had a couple wrecks, recoverable, but wrecks all the same. I couldn't imagine starting with anything more difficult than a trainer. You might be able to pull it off, who knows. But you probably should start with a trainer. I also have been flying simulators for quite some time, but it just isn't the same as actually flying a model. My recommendation would be to keep the War bird for your second, or possibly 3rd plane. Get yourself a nice trainer to get your feet wet.

Allan