If you consider going electric with a foamy to save a little money take a look at the Parkzone T-28.
Alot of people swear by 'em! You'll love it and not spend too much. You can get the ESC version on sale
for about $150 plus batteries and a reciever. http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc-planes-p...trojan-pnp.htm
Or for $220 on sale (my LHS has one for that price) everything including a transmitter is included. http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc-planes-p...trojan-rtf.htm