Flying is a lot of fun, and I started out going it alone (with a parkflyer, not a gas trainer). However, I found the hobby much more fulfilling after I got up the nerve to go out to the club field.

I'd wade through all of the posts carefully before I'd follow the example of someone who managed to teach themselves. I think the success rate is rather low for the "go it aloners".

I'd have wrecked my LT-40 for sure if I'd tried it alone the first time, and I had a lot of time on parkflyers.

Have fun.