I have flown electric for about two years now but have realy hit it hard in the last 4 months. I had a Aerobird Challanger as a first plane (bad idea) then I went to a Super Cub from Hobby Zone to learn the basics. One thing I have always wanted to do though is get into gas or nitro (whats the differance?) planes. So my main question is, what would you guys recommend? Im a fairly good flyer with my Super Cub, I can do flips, catch my landings (i took the wheels off cause they dont do well in the grass I land in, so I learned to catch my plane ), and some other things that are allowed with such a restricted flyer. What Controler would you Recommend? and What type of engion? Also I need somthing that will fly in fairly good winds (I do live in Kansas, Very Windy some times, and as some may know 'if you dont like the weather wait 5 min') that average around 12 mph.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_7316610/tm.htm

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8503667/tm.htm

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm

There is a lot of reading in these 3 links. Once read, you will have a very good idea of where to start.
If I had it to do over, I would go with something in a 60 size, bigger flies better, can handle more wind with less stress. As for radio gear, when you find a field and start working with the people that belong, you can get a very good idea of what radio equipment you want to start with. Someone at the field may have something that you can get your feet wet with, and save you some real money.
Gas is exactly that, gas. Larger motors take gas. Glow is based on alcohol. Both are extremely addictive, be careful.

toothman: look at the frist threads at the top of the beginners forims. you'll find alot of good answers and advice

sorry, bingo's faster

Welcome to the fourm fellow Kansan......Like you I started with electric then went to glow and now fly gas. Do you have any local clubs close by?

there is one close to my area but i live in the country and have TONS of space to fly. i also know a guy that has flown since a kid. i dont realy care too much for the club since it does cost. i know there is a lot of experiance there but i dont have to much time to spend there either.

It’s a matter of how much money do you want to spend. A hobico Hobbystar .60 size or a Hangar 9 Alpha trainer would be my personal choice.
About the engine I would choose the OS 75 AX (expensive but good) or the Tower Hobbies 75 (cheap and not so good)
Regarding the controller I would go with the new generation of 2.4 Mhz type of radios. Airtronics has the cheapest one and Futaba or JR the expensive while Spectrum has been a good choice for a good amount of people here.
Depending on the price, Omega fuel is a great choice in the range of 5 to 15% nitro.

I think the plane you choose would depend on the type of flying you want to do (3d or lap & loop). As for radios try to buy as large a radio as you can afford so when you move up to larger planes you won't have to upgrade your radio. Your engine will depend on what plane you choose....I have learned that bigger planes fly better in wind and are easier to see.

Don't try to catch your glow/gas powered plane, or you'll chop your fingers off.

I'll second the Hobbistar if you go with a .60 sized plane. If you go with a .40 sized plane, the Avistar is the best I've found for flying in wind. A .46 Os or Magnum works great on the Avistar, 12mph wind is no problem for either plane.