No experience with the "breed" itself, but with a 36" wingspan on a model that weighs a pound and a half you should be able to get away with murder; as the saying goes. Hand launch with 3/4 throttle (to get speed without the full torque) and you should be able to get in some flights.

Problem is if you move to a heavier balsa and glow-fuel model you'll have to unlearn any bad habits the foamie helped you develop. If you can fly it precise and not just fly it you're on the right track.