I like building models of real planes. Although never very scale, the Top Flite kits walk you through every step and come with everything needed to build the plane. I'd suggest the TF P-47 60 size.

Incidently, I'd also keep the TF kits light as possible and not add "extra" features. No matter what you do they'll never be scale, for scale you need to upgrade into Mick Reeves or something - big $$$...