Since RCKEN was kind enough to provide the Futaba info, I would suggest sending the TX and RX in to be checked out and for any needed repairs. If the TX is much more than 3 years old you will probably need a new TX battery. I would also suggest replacing the RX battery in the plane (due to age it is probably also had it ).

If you could post a couple of pics of the plane it would be appreciated. 10 years ago there were still a few tail dragger trainer kits around. A pic should be able to tell us if this is a trainer or not.