If your gonna build the 4 *, why not go ahead and build the 60, I think you will be glad you did in the long run. I just finished a 4 * 60, and flys like a dream. Has an OS 61 on it, rolls (snap and slow) are perfect. good knife-edge, and flys as good inverted as it does right side up. I did some slight MODS to mine while building it, and it was my first kit as well. I suggest sheeting the rear turtle-deck, where the stringers are to give it better strength. You would be surprised how fragile those stringers are, and how easy they can break while transporting, or any other minor incident. You can also cut the cheeks off, and put a cowling on it, makes it look alot sharper. You can do a 4 * Mod search on here, and find pics as well as links to help you with the mods. I also added 2" to my rudder, which gives it beautiful knife-edges. but no matter which way you choose to go, 40 or 60, you cannot choose a better kit for your first build than the 4 Star.