Be patient, and persistent!

If the club is small then there may be only one or two days/times each week that the field is really active. Most people fly Sunday afternoons at our club. Any other day or time is hit or miss even if the weather is perfect. The good news about this is that it is never crowded enough to have to wait to fly! You just need to find a member that can give you the scoop. This could take several trips to the field on different days/times. Or maybe your LHS can help you out.

Also I wouldn't buy a radio until you find out what most people are using at the field, and determine who will be teaching you. You will want your radio to be compatable so you can buddy-box.