For some interesting reading check here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Control_line

and here: http://www.modelairplanekit.net/index.php

And for a cheap trainer kit you could try one of these:
http://www.blackhawkmodels.com/eztrainer.html
The Blackhawk models kits are tops in having all the hardware you need to get your plane in the air.
Seems like there is a seperate kit that Larry offers to change the mounting so that you can use a TD. Contact Larry at : http://www.blackhawkmodels.com/

I am excited you want to try CL!

Robert