I was thinking of getting the Apha Trainer for a first airplane. for the people who have it... is it worth the money? Can it do aerobatics like loops, barrel rolls, fly inverted, things like that. One last thing. How fast does it go?

I've saw the Alpha Trainer complete setup advertised (at Hobby Warehouse) for $310US -- I would definitely say it's worth that. (I also saw it advertsed for $499US -- that's more than 60% higher than somebody else's advertised retail, so I'd avoid it at that price as a matter of principle if for no other reason.)

Hangar 9 has a long-standing reputation for high quality ARF products built properly and covered with real covering. I have looked at how the Alpha goes together and I don't think you'll find anything that's a surer bet to go together right or that's more assembled or easier to assemble as it comes from the box. I haven't personally touched an Alpha Trainer, but if it's as good as other Hangar 9 planes and since it includes engine and radio all installed and nearly ready to go, I'd say it's a VERY nice deal at the lower end of its advertised price range.

If you're not going to build your first plane and you need the whole outfit, it looks like a great way to go.

As for aerobatics and speed, it'll do the basics -- they all loop, fly inverted, and roll with a trained hand on the sticks. It won't be the most precice aerobat, but it will take you through learning those things.

does the front wheel on the plane turn for taxing it to the runway. If not would it be easy to install a servo and Y-harness it to the rudder control?