What are my flying/building goals? For now, to get a trainer together so I can learn to fly, so a trainer would be the most logical thing to build next. Building is entertainment too, and I'd like to build something from plans.

Quicker, I've actually considered building the Spadet. I spoke with a local flying club member and he cautioned against it, said that SPADs were a bit erratic, was the word I believe he used. I wasn't sure if he was just a "Balsa Man" or was speaking truthfully about their flight characteristics. US Aircore has been around for a while, so I can't imagine that plastic planes are all that bad. So a SPAD like the Spadet would seem the ideal way to learn, and there is a good chance I'll build one anyway, just for fun. When I join the club I can always bring it down and have it checked out and can make up my mind then.

I downloaded the manual for Great Planes PT 40 from their website and got a bit of a reality check. While the Guillows models and the one electric I've assembled have given me an idea of how they go together, there are some new construction techniques and installations 'unfamiliar' to me where a kit would at least offer a bit more direction.

So, I'll likely get a kit for my first trainer, consider putting together a Spadet or a Debonaire next and build the following one from plans. That way I can at least be up in the air while I tinker around with the scratch built one.

Thanks all for your advice. It's been helpful.