YEAAAAAA! Someone listened!!!!

Charlie, here is some really good advice for you if you're looking to save a few bucks (And who isn't)

Get yourself a 60-size trainer.

Buy a good 60 (2-stroke) or 91 size (4-stroke) engine for it and a reasonably priced 6 channel computer radio (In the $200 - $250 range) If that's too much, either plane will fly just fine with a basic 4 channel radio ($120ish) but you'll like the features of a computer radio, and it will allow a lot of room to grow in the future (Extra channels can be used for flaps, retractable landing gear, smoke, etc)

This way, when you are ready for the Bipe, the engine and radio will just swap over.

And find your local club to get some free instruction