Hi Charlie - Glad you liked the sites and info in them, and yes, it has taken a LOT of work It is just a lobor of love for this sport I guess. I guess I might be a GPS geek as well as an RC addict, but I think the info helps a few folks out every once and awhile, and besides, you should see the look on some Club members faces when I show up at their fields out in the middle of no where and they can't believe I was able to find them on my own

I looked at the two planes on eBay, and I honestly don't think you'll be happy with either of them. The little high wing might be closer to a trainer, but NOT the little Extra. Remember the old addage, "You get what you pay for". I would refer to these as almost junk I'm afraid. They can make them look and sound pretty good on the adds, but just be careful. If your going electric, be careful when charging the LiPoly type batteries. They can get hot enough to cause fires in a very short order if done improperly. You can get a lot of info on LiPoly batteries here on RCU as well, it's a treasure trove of info if you just start surfing and searching around it. I have one electric with a big LiPo battery in it, and with the proper charger I have never had a problem with it heating up yet.

I am honestly not trying to dampen your enthusiasim, just want you to be cautious about what you spend your hard earned money on. I would almost bet you that if you buy the eBay plane, you'll just be buying something better that actually flys like an RC plane is suppose to shortly after.

The [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXFG19&P=7]SIG LT-40[/link] from Tower is located at this link just to give you an idea of the difference. I know there is a lot of difference in the price vs the eBay stuff, but there is a reason for it.

However you decide to go, I would really hope you call one of the Clubs up and see if at least a member might be willing to meet you half way to check your plane out, or better yet, you can meet at the Field for a one on one, and at least get that first day with an experienced pilot to help out. It would be well worth the 80 mile trip. Besides, out here in Wyoming thats just an everyday trip.

We lived in Ohio for 5+ years, and we drove back home to Wy twice a year every year. We always took a different way back (most direct out however) and we one trip we swung up and came across the U P. Beautiful country you live in. When you get your wings and need a trip out West, I'll be looking for you to stop by and we'll go wiggle the sticks together