G'day

Like the others I'd suggest you build a kit first. Something like a Sig Kadet Seniorita or Kadet Senior (larger version of the same plane). These kits come as a box full of sticks and sheets plus some wing ribs. The plan and instructions will tell you how to build it and you will learn a lot about the structure of a typical older style model and what wood to use where.

To build it you need some sharp knives, a razor saw, a very flat surface that you can put pins into, some T pins, glues of various sorts (epoxy, aliphatic resin, CA medium and thin), and some patience. A razor plane is handy too and you also need some flat sanding blocks with some 80 grade and some with 200 grade paper glued to them.

Generally ribs are made of balsa, spars from hard balsa and/or spruce and the fuse can be made from light ply or balsa or an open frame like the Kadets I mentioned.

And then there is covering but that it a completely new story.

I have just built two Kadet Senior models and am now building a small oldtimer called a Tomboy designed by Englishman Vic Smeed in about 1950. It needs an engine of between 1/2 cc and 1.5 cc capacity and is probably a bit smaller than you are thinking. It would be a good subject too if you have a suitable engine. The original was intended for free flight but mine will have some very small RC gear in it so it won't fly away with my 0.5cc MPJet diesel.

The Kadet Senior needs a 40 two stroke or 50 four stroke and the Seniorita will fly with a 25 two stroke or 30 four stroke though I used to fly mine with a 15 (2.5cc) diesel.

Have fun.

Mike in Oz