that plane is pretty much ready to go. Here is a long thread on the plane and what others have done to it and with it.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1979070
There are a few who converted it to a tail dragger too.
If any of the new ARF's take you 40 hours, something is very wrong. I know I tend to build FAST, but I was putting together the Tower Trainer 60 in a couple hours. You can also look for Rx ready. that way the servos, motor are all ready installed.
I did a couple foam ARF's in under an hour.
Buzz.