I agree with what waross said. I started out with cheap electric and I did have fun with it, but when I did get my first fuel trainer, a nexstar, the fun really started. I did learn on my own for the most part and the electric was alot cheaper to fix, I agree if that is what you are thinking.

But now since I have already went down that road I would tell people to get a good fuel trainer and get some help and that will save you $$ in the long haul. And once you start you probably wont stop so start off with the fuel planes and you will be happier IMHO. Also the fuel planes are alot eaiser to fly than the cheap electric.

Their are alot of traniers to look at and I did start with the nexstar, but I have also bought a tower 40 which is also a great flyer and a bit cheaper than the nexstar. Which ever way you do go, electric or fuel, you are going to have fun and that is the whole point anyway.