Hi Eric,
Congratulations on your retirement and welcome back to R/C. To get in the air quickly, the Phoenix models Typhoon and Aurora ARFs are designed for both GP and EP and available from Tower Hobbies. There are lengthy discussions of both models in the RCGroups classic pattern forum. The Typhoon is a clone of the MK Wild-7 kit from around 1990 and the Aurora is a clone of the MK Silent from 1987. I have flown the originals of both and they are excellent flying airplanes. Sebart makes several very nice ARFs, but they can be hard to get. The US distributor just changed (3rd time) to F3A Unlimited; give Mike a call or email for availability. Extreme Flight also makes some very nice ARFs in a variety of sizes. Most are models of full size aerobatic airplanes, but I think the Vanquish pattern design may still be available.
There are several kit manufacturers producing wood kits of classic pattern designs. Blue Jay makes nice kits, but availability is sporadic and, as a result, when kits become available they usually sell out fairly quickly. Eureka Aircraft company has a nice selection of classic pattern kits, but they recently were sold and the new owner has been struggling to get into full production and communication has been poor, but very nice kits. Don Carlson ([email protected]) has an extensive kit line including many pattern kits and has been very good about communication and prompt shipping. One of the biggest problems the wood kit manufacturers have is quality balsa availability and cost.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Will Bartlett