About 40 years ago I started with C/L diesel powered models before making it to R/C a few years later. I built a Veron 'Robot' powered by a PAW 09 with 'rudder only' control. Not very satisfying so then I scraped up enough to fit it with 4-channel (up, down, left, right) Grundig radio and a PAW 19BR. Too much for a beginner to handle, so the PAW was replaced by an OS MaxII .15 R/C and I added engine control with a 6-channel tone filter set. That was more like it, flew pretty well.
But then came the RAF and moving around the UK in my MG Midget put a stop to much time for model flying. My last model was a Graupner Chico powered by a OS10FSR with Horizon HS3L radio. Never did get a chance to fly it and finally sold it at Chivenor. By then the radio was not much use as it was on 27MHz and CB was just becoming popular.....
Personally I prefered the 'minimalist' approach - just a model with no more than a 40" wingspan powered by nothing bigger than a .19 or possibly a .23 motor, can of (preferably) diesel fuel and transmitter. No great big coffins full of every conceivable extra, electric starters, etc.....
Aeromodelling certainly taught me a lot about structures, aerodynamic stability, radio etc. But how many kids nowadays are allowed near balsa knives, dope, cement etc.....??