Norfolk Southern, Kind of hard to discern what is your persceptions and what was reality! Anyone who has been around the hobby for a while would understand a high wing Cessna is a great and docile airplane, only a step up from a trainer. If your comfortable with a trainer, this is a logical next step. Always remember, Although a single R/Cer might be a member of the AMA, they may not be doing a good job of representing the AMA. The same holds true for a local club.

There are plenty of knot heads in R/C, just as there are plenty in every day life. Find a club that seems more friendly if you can! I'm a member of one, so I know they exist!

Obviously you are building a kit. I say right on!

Were you a model railroader at one time?