Based on the nature of the question, it seemed better suited here that in the 3D section.

I know I'm putting the cart before the horse here, since I haven't even soloed on my trainer yet, but please bear with me.

Once I have the basics down, I'd like to move toward 3D flying. I'm considering getting a 3D plane as a second plane, but reducing the throw on the control rods so the plane isn't as touchy on the controls initially. I figure this will allow me to get used to the plane and some basic 3D maneuvers with less potential for losing control. Once I feel more confident, I can set the throws where they should be and keep practicing from there. The goal here is to try and get a "trainer" and full-blown 3D plane in one.

Does this sound like a good plan?

The reason I'm thinking about this so early on is I have a birthday and Christmas coming up. Sounds like an excellent opportunity to get other people to buy me a plane!

TWIST 40. (enough said) Go to- Hangar 9 Twist 3D Part II - Thread Continuation

umm personally from what i ahve read i go for a mojo 40 they are said to be EXTREMLY tough ... (good for the beginer) althout you will get more about the twist/you can do because there more popular..

The Twist is one of the options on the table, but the color scheme nauseates me.

Which brings up another question. I like H9 planes, so they're mostly what I've been looking at. Aside from appearance, is there really any difference in flight characteristics between the Twist, Tango, and Tribute? The design appears to be similar.

Unfortunately, I REALLY like the looks of the Showtime, followed closely by the Funtana X 50 and the Pulse 40.

What's a guy to do?

Don't know about the Tribute. The Tango has the same wing and fly's alot like the twist but the ground handling wasn't that great. (with a takeoff roll of 6' it wasn't a real issue).

If you like arf maybe a profile.. http://www.ohiomodelplanes.com/47edgearf/

I agree with this. Profile 3D planes are basicly 3D trainers. It is easier to perform the High Alpha manouvers with a profile.

However. Profiles are light weight and extreamly fragile... as are all 3D planes. They will not take a lot of abuse and If I had to pull a reasonable statistic out of the air I would say an R/C pilot is 99% more likely to completely destroy their second plane as opposed to their first trainer. This is primarilly due to the fact that you are now cut loose on a more aerobaticaly capable aircraft and you want to see what you can do... This usually ends with the pilot learning what he can't do yet in reletively short order. For a second plane I would highly encourage you to pick up an ARF for less than $100, used from a fellow club member if possible. Odds are pretty good you will destroy it but you will learn from it.

Okay maybey only 85% more likely

Understood, and thanks for the advice/info.

While I would like to believe I will never crash, I know I will. It's part of the learning process. I'm not looking forward to it, but it will happen. I just hope it's not on the maiden.

So, the question is do I want to destroy a $100 plane, or a $175 plane. If I don't have to pay for the first one, that might make the decision a little easier.

I've got a lot of thinking to do.........

Maybe you should look into a electric foamy, or a smaller electric wood profile? Something you could carry to your local soccer/football field.