[mikekimc]

I've own and flown the First release Trex 550 ... it was a great bird ... lots of power to do anything you pleased! It will be a great heli for you to learn with John ... no need to worry!

Cheers
Mike

[Keyrigger]

I flew a second version 550 for a while with the 600MX motor that came with it. I bought a second 550V2 and put it into my Jet Ranger. I have an MX motor in the box should you really need to change but you won't need to. I also have both 70A ESC's that came with them as I change to logging ESC's for the final installation. There is more than enough power for every 3D move in the books and your most important thing will be getting used to a larger heli and the reaction time it has compared to your MCPx and the simulator. The BEC is a very good idea but you don't need to spend big bucks on that. I used an Align 6A BEC that was more than enough to keep the servos and radio live and well. It is still in my Jet Ranger and there is no need to put something like a CC BEC Pro in it (those are in my other larger and heavier helicopters). I fly out of the Burlington RC Modelers and if you are really stuck, I can get you through any issue with that helicopter in person as it is really hard to do online. The weather is getting rather nasty these days but there may be the odd nice one available. Hope this helps.

Don