I bought a slightly used Alpha 40 and it's great. As for tuning, The evolution engine has stops on the needle valve. You can't over richen or over lean it to the point where it won't fly. The flywheel system makes it smooth running as well. I would recommend it highly as a trainer. Even after crashing and rebuilding it (battery failure, not pilot error) it flies great. http://web.tampabay.rr.com/wdsummers/crash.html I considered electric, but the expense was one reason I went with glow. Getting this one a little less than a new one was another reason. Finally, I just love the sound of glow engines.