Well, if you want a really durable trainer, I think the Kyosho Minium/ParkZone Cessna 210 RTF is the ticket. It is very easy to fly, flies really well, weighs 5/8 of aunce, and comes with its own 2.4 gig radio TX. Spare parts are available, and once you're done with the airframe, the guts are a 3.25 gram RX with 2 integrated servos suitable for use in anything down to peanut sized models. Best price is from MyRCSupply.com

Tissue is really classic, but I use film also exclusively. I use RA MicroLite, and it is lighter than tissue, adhesive backed...