By 'easy' do you mean 'cheap'? There is no cheap way to get to 3D....period.

If you want to learn on the best 3D foamie ever made, go to http://www.chargerrc.com and get a Charger CR-1. (Hint: get the BEST setup you can afford, servos matter, motors matter etc). Here is the setup I learned/am learning with:

Airframe: Charger CR-1 foamie ($40). (If you are an advanced 3D'r, get the CR-260 for better harriers and rolling maneuvers...same price).
Servos: Futaba 3114 ($15X4) ($60)
Motor: Hacker 20-26M DO NOT COMPROMISE ON THIS ($50). Run an APC 10X4.7 prop...period.
Servos: 4X Futaba 3114 ($15 each)...($60)
ESC: any 20 amp or higher...(avoid hacker esc's) ($50)
Battery: THUNDER POWER 3S 1320 (Don't compromise on this either). ($55).
RX: The lightest you can find ($40)

This little foamie can be a trainer on low-rates, or a 3D MONSTER on high rates. They were flown extensively at the AMA show in Ontario, CA. I know most of the guys who flew them there.

IMHO, these foamies are the best, (and cheapest, by far), way to get into 3D flying. Once you have the setup, it's only $40 for new airframes. The best part is, they build in MINUTES. They snap-together and are ready to fly in an hour or two...REALLY. Get some foam-safe CA and activator for quick repairs.

This is the way to 3D, IMHO. Don't risk your $$ on junk planes. What you need is practice, and LOTS of it. Get your practice on an airplane that you can afford to replace occasionally, and one that builds quickly.

I don't recommend getting the landing gear. It adds weight and you can just as easily belly-in or catch the thing.

You can learn on the Tribute, but it's just not the same with regard to 3D...it's a different league.

I have been/am in your shoes. Get a foamie, fly it every single day and fly with people who can actually DO what it is you WANT to do.

Here is another link: http://www.teamflyingcirkus.com Go there, register and learn.

Good Luck!!