I would have to agree, buying just the parts though wouldn't have been as nice for the LHS. Of course, with the rates the LHS charges for balsa and lite ply, the kit was probably cheaper. I started with a PT 40 too and loved it. Just remember once you remove the dihedral, the plane will not correct itself if you get banked too steep. Have fun.
Hey Great-North, if you get MAN or FlyRC, check out the new World Models/ Airborne Models Sky Raider Mach II. At $69.00 for an ARF you can't beat it. The only thing I would suggest is replacing the fuel tank hardware, I have always had trouble with it and on here heard that others did too. Here is a link: http://www.airborne-models.com/ or http://www.theworldmodels.com/para/p...?airplaneid=69

Good Luck!