Chris,
Glad you made up your mind. Sorry to hear about the warped lumber though. The PT 40's were the best of the breed just a few years back, so it's sad to hear they're letting the quality slip.

When it's finished and you're thinking about that low wing, I think the Goldberg Tiger 2 would suit you to a "T".

Decent kit from what I hear, and an amazingly stable little plane. ($99 at Tower.)
Dennis-