Yes you have stated exactly the effect I want, and you are quite right AE is very deep and broad, hence the problem. One could become an electrician in order to change a wall socket, but it is time prohibitive.
Have begun looking at the vids (very informative btw), but your synopsis of the process to achieve the effect has helped me to focus on the aspects I need to become familiar with in the program, and to select books and tutorials that focus on those points such as keyframing and time remapping etc. Thanks.