By understatement, I meant both expense and flying area. Flying with a club gives you the advantage of free instruction, AMA insurance, and frequency-regulated airspace. You also meet great people and get ideas for future projects, and help with your current ones.

If you want an electric trainer, I think this is your best bet - it's a great plane.
[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJKU3**&P=ML]http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJKU3**&P=ML[/link]

If you want to consider a glow powered trainer, see Ken's list.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm

With or without instruction, there is NO plane that is indestructible. Without instruction (or a simulator), expect a 5% chance of success. With instruction from your club, expect a 95% chance of success.
Please look into that club and join the AMA!!

-Mike