I encourage scratch building whenever I can. I think it's the best part of the hobby, tied with that first flight.
The Ugly Stick is a pretty basic model construction wise and makes a good scratch build project for beginners. With a constant cord fully symmetrical wing, it's hard to mess that up. And if you stray a little on the airfoil? No biggie. As long as you're close it will fly just fine.
And when scratch building, it's easier to add in those personal touches. Cowled engine, different tail outline, retracts!
