I did buy small and went bigger - MCX RTF, CX2 RTF, CPP2 RTF, RealFlight G4.5 Simulator (cause I was crashing the CPP2 too often), Spektrum DX7 transmitter, HK450, HK450, MSR BNF, HK450.

As you can see, I made mistakes. First was to get RTF models, not thinking I would enjoy it so much. I now have plenty of transmitters sitting on the sidelines. Next mistake was not getting a simulator soon enough. I crashed the CPP2 a couple of times, and needed something to fly while I was waiting for parts and repairing it. Getting the CPP2 was a bit of challenge. A little much to control without trimming it down. Worked better with the DX7 than the transmitter it came with. Also, the CPP2 gave me lots of problem with the direct drive tail motor. I am on my fourth motor, and this time it seems perfect (hovering it in my living room this winter and quite steady). I like the HK450 because I built them myself with different types of motors, servos, BEC, Gyro etc, and they are much steadier than any of the others mentioned above.

In the end, it's all about fun, enthusiasm and budget.

Gilles

p.s. I did get two GWS foam planes for additional fun (e-Starter and Formosa).