Hey guys, noob here. I need some help and advice for getting into RC airplanes.

A bit of history...I've built many rubber-powered free-flight kits, mainly by Guillow over the years. Other than that, I've seen a few Cox .049's but have never even heard one run...

Here's what I'm interested in doing; tell me if I'm going in the wrong direction.

Because I've built airplanes from sheet stock before, I would like to do it again, if it's feasible. I wouldn't mind building from a set of plans, or a kit, but may enjoy the plans more. If I go the route of plans only, I'll need some sources for good TRAINER planes and the needed equipment.

I'm not worried about building a scale or replica plane. Hell, as far as I'm concerned, it can have a perfectly straight, rectangular fuselage and straight, unswept wings. I just want something that will be easy to build and flies slightly better than a brick.

I don't want to build one of the trainers that have an overly square shaped wing.

So, with that in mind, can any of you more experienced folk help me out? I plan on buying my initial engines off fleabay, as I 1) love buying things from it and 2) it won't hurt so bad when I nose dive that used, cheap engine into the ground on my first flight.

I've done several searches on this site and have found lots of information, but unfortunately, to this RC virgin, it's just too overwhelming to piece together.

Which design/model to go with?
Which engine to start out with?
Transmitter?
Servos?
And more if you don't mind...

Thanks!