Hey Slim, going with the RC route...here's what I would do. Replace one of the balsa wing spars with spruce. This should be plenty strong for anything you'll put her through. Fly the plane on 3 channel, rudder and elevator. Ailerons will only add weight and I doubt you'll be doing inverted passes with this one. Here's the flight package I'd use and the associated links.
Motor: $12.50
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...idProduct=5358
ESC: $15.15
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...idProduct=4204
Servos: (2)$3.49
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...?idProduct=663
Battery: $7.75
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...idProduct=5479
Totals up around $42.00 plus about $5.00 for shipping. Add a 6x4 prop and a little 4 channel receiver and you're set.
This company has wheels and such much less expensive than your LHS (sorry local guys). I've been buying stuff from them for over a year and have been really pleased, especially with the servos. Can't beat under $4.00 for 9 gram servos! I haven't broken any yet and I fly pretty rough.