First off, you picked a winner with the T-28. For a little foam electric, it flys very good and is a lot of fun. I take mine to the field along with all my larger glow powered planes every trip.

Will it work for trainer? Probably not the best idea. You might get away with it if you keep it on low rates and you have a particular knack for flying but something like Hobbyzone Super Cub or the Firebird you mentioned might be a better plane to start with.

Like I said though, the T-28 does fly nice and you may be able to make it work if you really take it easy and have some guidance form an instructor or other experienced pilot.

Regardless, don't send the T-28 back if you can avoid it. I can't say enough good about this plane (and I generally don't like park flyer type stuff). Do yourself a favor and get some extra 2200mAh batteries. Once you're comfortable with the T-28 you'll want to have charged batteries on hand so you can keep flying.