The covering isn't really that tough, but its not too much fun. It was the least enjoyable part of the build. I used Ultracote on mine, because based on my research, it seemed to be the most forgiving. And it was.

Also, you definately need an instructor. During my building of this LT-40, I bought a GWS slow stick to goof around with. I tried to fly it and I believe that my longest flight was about 7 seconds. I ended up busting the tail and had to order another. After the new tail arrived, I decided to park the slow stick for a while and fly the LT-40 first. I am just now getting going on the learning to fly part, but with my instructor's help, we did three completely successful flights and I learned a lot.

Take a breather, relax a bit, then reapproach the hobby and do it by the book. Build slowly, join an AMA club and get an instructor.

As my training progresses, I am bound to scuff up this airplane a tad. Hopefully, it won't be anything that isn't fixable. But with another one on the workbench taking shape, it will mitigate the pain if something does happen.