Get a good engine regardless of its size..........For rookies like us,a good motor will outlast any of our planes. And no matter what size engine you got laying around,your gonna find a cool plane to put it in. You'll never own an engine and "not use it again" as long as it runs,so you might as well have a GOOD engine rather than a crappy one laying around.

If I were you,being that its your first plane.....I'd put in a standard O.S. .61FX and fly the crap out of it. I would say you could save 40 or 60 bucks for a cheaper(but still good) engine like a Thunder tiger Pro .61 or something,but luckily when it comes to these smaller engines, 40 or 60 bucks can buy you an OS so take adantage of it while you can afford an O.S. You wont find a better,more troublefree,and long lasting engine. Just make sure whatever you buy,its a "ball bearing" engine and not a "bushed" type.

And also if I were you and this is your first plane........you can "think" about your next plane already,but dont consider any of your choices for this plane in regards to your next one. Chances are your next plane,even though it may be smaller in size,will require an even bigger motor. Plus unless your really hard up for money and NEED to use the parts from your trainer for your next plane,you'll likely want to keep your trusty trainer in flying condition. We r/c pilots tend to require more than just one in flying condition......{he'll find out soon enough,right guys?} Point is...your plans will likely change before it actually comes time for your next plane.

I wouldnt recommend getting into 4 strokes yet either,2 strokes are nice for learning how to tune buy ear and dont mind being ran wide open and being treated like we stole it. You'll want a 4 stroke someday,just not TOday. Plus 2 strokes are MUCH cheaper.

This post really made me think about myself tonight.........after walking in my front door after work today with a brand spanking new $340 plus tax SAITO 125!!! WOO HOOO!