one option I suggest is to find a nice set of plans an then get a kit cut. I know theres some kit cutters that have a range of plans\kits available too. Balsa USA have some that may be of interest. Its a lousy situation here down under, and I am in the process of 'bashing' a set of plans of one of the big 12 foot trainer types. I ditched the wing altogether, gone to a more cessna like planform and semi semitrical wing with fowler type flaps, ditto for tailplane. even the fin and rudder got a work over. I am currently working on the fuse now, again going for a more realistic shape rather tha a tall narrow box. It will alo have a cowl to suit my 48cc twin.
There are lots of plans out there for for large scale cessna's, beavers etc, I just wanted some different