What engine is a good choice for first time gas engine flyers, not the smallest but maybe somewhere around 5 hp?

What type of plane are you planning on buying?

I want to get something for 3D, this will be my first try at it. What is a good choice that is reasonably priced?

In the 5 hp range you would be looking at something in the 50 cc range +/-. That gives you a lot of good products to choose from. In aircraft you would be looking at planes in the 27 to 29% size. Again, an area with lot's of quality choices.

Do yerself a favor -get well aquainted with the "3D" flying - FIRST on something cheap -electric - then you will be able to make a better choice.
Lots of the so called 3D setups sold as great gasser setups really ain't worth a darn for this stuff.

Can you suggest a quality plane that would fit the bill?

#1--How much experience do you have

#2--How much money do you want to spend

If both #1&2 are lacking do what Dick has suggested.

I guess that was what I was asking...what electric???

The cheapest way to gain the experience you seek, without incurrng high additional expenses, would be to go with a highly maneuverable electric. Delay the entry into the gas world for a little until you have the reaction times and attitude recognition skills necessary to successfully fly 3D gassers without the usual long line of losses. Electric airframes are cheap, although the drive systems and servos end up costing a bit in their own right.

Get in touch with www.foamies.com, or look at the Hobby Lobby and Horizon websites to see what's available to learn with and enjoy. Once the initial cost factors are out of the way you can purchase a new airframe for under $50.00 and all the parts transfer from the old to the new. There are many planes available that do the same thing with similar performance levels. A good starting point would be something along the lines of a Hanger 9 Tribute with a good brushless motor using lithium polymer batteries. A lot of fun and cheap. The list goes on and on from there. Once your comfortable with the foamies, then it's time to consider the $1,700.00 plus investment that's going to be needed to get you going in gassers in the size range you originally noted. Unless, of course, you feel the need and that you're ready now.

I learned how to 3D on a "Snaptana" 40. Man if you could 3D that thing, and get out of the snaps, any 3D gasser was a sinch to fly.

Thank you, yu have all been very helpful and I will take your advice...

Silversurfer is right on...

I've tried several foamies and the one I like the best is the Yak 54f from Horizon. I haven't gotten to trying much 3D with my gasser yet, but the little Yak reminds me a lot of my Funtana 90 in the way it handles. Just make sure you don't scrimp on the components as noted above, a good Outrunner motor, ESC to handle it and Li-Poly battery will give you a lot of good experience. Depending on a few variables, you could expect to pay around $250 to $300 for the components plus whatever airframe you decide on

AND, it's a lot of fun with not worrying about how much the thing cost...