John,

yet another 2 more cents...

From everything I've read so far, you are a builder at heart and wouldn't consider flying a classic pattern ARF or already built model by someone else. With some exception, I feel more or less the same way - mostly because I like to build too.

Being that the case, I think you shouldn't limit yourself to a "complete kit" to builld. Why? Because complete kits, unless they are modern CNC or laser cut versions, are not that wonderful in my opinion. As others have mentioned, vintage classic pattern kits are collectors items but many of them can leave you thinking, mmm, this wood is not that great. Since you are an experienced builder, I would not only look at what designs you like but also at what planes have been modeled extensively and are known to be good fliers. With that in mind, you could then proceed with either a complete laser cut kit (e.g., an Atlas - see active thread), a short kit (both Scott at rcfoamy and Don at Eureka have short kits), or simply scratch build. I've found that starting from scratch in a classic build doesn't add considerably to the time to get a model flight ready. The bulk of the time you spend in a build is in the finishing, assuming of course that you paint the model.

Speaking of painting, if you don't plan to paint the model, then you are mostly limited to wood fuses and verticals. You also in general have a choice on how to go about the flying surfaces. While I enjoy building balsa wings and stabs, I know I can do a better job in getting a solid, strong and symmetrical wing if I build on cores. On the other hand, one can probably build a lighter version of the wing with balsa, especially if it's not fully sheeted. Last but not least, you could also choose to build with a glass fuse and foam cores for surfaces. It is a different experience and again, if properly done, results with a truer airplane unless you are very meticulous (and many builders on this forum are) when building with wood. If glass/foam is an option, Don has done a wonderful job in preserving many classics and there are now more than a dozen designs that he can layup for you and provide you with a kit. Don (not from Eureka) has active threads on both classic forums (RCU and RCG) on his glass work.

With those points in mind I would make my decision in the following order:
[ul][*] Flying qualities and recommendations[*] Design aesthetics [*] Full wood build, wood and foam or glass and foam[*] Plastic covered, plastic and paint or all paint
[/ul]
That list will narrow down your choices substantially and help in choosing a model you will be happy to build and fly. If I remember correctly, you are also looking for a design that is SPA approved so that narrows things down as well.

David.