RE: Intermediate plane/trainer
I agree with alan0899, the Pulse XT is not a 3D plane. It can do all the basic aerobatics, but does not have the oversized control surfaces for true 3D.
Another great sport plane is the Hangar 9 Ultra Stick 40. Very stable but also capable of doing most any aerobatic with its fully semetrical wing and large control surfaces. Many engines from the .46 two-stroke and up and .72 four stroke and up work very well.