RE: what was your first radio system?
My first rc system was the Controlaire Galloping Ghost with a Rand actuator tucked into a Midwest Astro-Mite powered by an Enya .09TV. Rudder and throttle were the only two controls. In order to get a good flight, you had to balance the plane so that it would pass a power off hand launch test glide.
I enjoyed reading all the other posts!