Chris - welcome
Just one thing on your reading - use your flying training book as you go along, you will find it much better that way. For example, the night before you do the steep turning lesson with your instructor, read the steep turn chapter. That way, you won't get caught up with other parts of the syllabus and worry about them etc. Best to start looking at Air Law (I specifically never used the words "get it out the way"
) as a lot of school's will require you to have passed this exam before your solo - also, it will get easier as you start to relate the theory to what your'e doing in the air etc...
Oh and don't throw your model plane's away - if you have any gear you don't want I will buy it from you