I second the recommendation on the Guillows kits. You want to build, you like WWI warbirds, you need to build something small, and you don't really care if you fly your creation. You can pick up a Guillows kit for $10 and get a taste for building. You can step up to a laser cut Dumas kit for about $25 and have a more pleasant building experience. I have had mixed results with Guillows - some of their die cutting is pretty rough.
I have one of these on my shelf waiting to be built:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXE288&P=0
This is a nice one too:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXE299&P=0
The building process is similar to an r/c plane, in terms of working with the balsa parts. The tissue covering is a lot different than Monocote. They are still satisfying builds and you can hang them in your office when you're done. You can even convert them to electric r/c with micro components.
Good luck