I agree with Carrell. Teaching yourself can get expensive, when you consider repair costs. I recommend you get in touch with a local flying club. Most clubs are only too happy to help a new pilot with training, plane setup, etc. As far as a good trainer, look into any of the major airplane manufacturers. A Carl Goldberg Eagle 2 is a great trainer, there's the Sig Kadet, the Hobbico Hobbistar, the Great Planes Nexstar, and the list goes on. But, teaching yourself will almost always lead to a crash. A lucky few pull it off, but I'd hate to see you crash your trainer, get discourged, and give it up all together.