I'll try to make this short. I don't have much experience, built last model about 13yrs ago and never built more than simple cars, built a helicopter once but had alot of help. Also, never flew an Rc plane before or heli. With that said, I'm very stuborn and learn quickly. I'm determined for my first RC plane to be the Top Flight Elder 40. http://www.top-flite.com/airplanes/topa0215.html I'm wondering if I'm abit over my head? I do have wood working experience. Just wondered if anyone had advise on that.

2nd, I'm stuborn but not that stupid, I don't want to build this thing then crash it first flight so I was thinking about getting a ARF plane to practice with, I figure I'll see the inner workings and can learn the flight thing before I get started on my Elder 40. Any recommendations of a ARF plane thats low budget? Does flying electric differ much from glow/nitro( I assume there the same)engines?

Thanks for any help

The Elder is a very gentle, easy flying airplane, but it's not good for a beginner only because it is not designed to take any abuse like a trainer is.

Go with your plan of flying an ARF trainer until you can handle it very well, then start building the Elder while you practice some more.

It would probally be in your best interest and the welfare of your model to try to stash your stuborness somewhere it will serve a purpose and take the advice of people that does not have your problem. If you take the time to research this site you will be able to find out anything that you could possibly need to know. A direct result of that is that you may be able to learn to fly and build models.

The idea of an ARF trainer is a good one. RCKen put together a nice list http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm
Don't spend a lot of time trying to figure out which one is "best" because they are all very similar. Pick the one that fits your budget and has the best looking color scheme in YOUR opinion.

I single these out because they are among the least expensive and you mentioned keeping cost down.
The Hangar 9 Solo Star 40 and Solo Sport 40 sell for 79.99 at www.horizonhobby.com but they do have a 13.50 oversize shipping surcharge.
The Tower Hobbies Trainer 40 sells for 79.99 at www.towerhobbies.com and they do not add an oversize surcharge.

Also, since you mentioned cost and your kit is glow/nitro, I would not suggest an electric trainer. If you get a 40 size glow trainer you can move the engine and electronics to the other plane when you're ready to fly it. Maybe you'll be able to have both planes fully equipped and ready to fly but this approach gives you flexibility.