Actually, the smaller doesn't necessarily mean easier/quicker, etc. Even an accomplished kit-builder, can have a serious hassle with a small kit such as a .10...I know, because I probably have WELL over 100 kit's built, and even more, if you count the built-from-plans. Yet I also have a Birdie .10 sitting half finished. It is because I inadvertently built in some "wash-in" (the wingtips drooped a little, for those who don't know), which would make it very hard to fly, and stall VERY easy. Now, if you have a plane with a 5 foot wingspan, divide that in half, you have say, 1/4" of wash in, you have 2 1/2 feet, to be able to wet and twist, and support opposed to the wash-in (over compensate with wash-out, to make it straight when it is relaxed), clamp until dry, and usually you can get the wing straight. NOW, the problem comes with a small wing, 2 1/2 wingspan, with the same washout, you have to try and bend it in 1 1/4 feet. Very hard to do! So mine sits, after several attempts to get it straight! The easy cure? Just scratch build a wing...no problem, and someday I will, but soooo many other projects, soooo little time!!

I suggest to anyone building their first kit, to get one that is well designed to begin with, well cut-out (laser-cut is perfect, if the plans are good), and that sort of builds itself.

One such plane is the Sig Four Star .40 or Four Star .60 (both are laser cut if you get a new kit..some of the older ones you might buy "used" might not be - check it out before purchasing one here). The entire fuselage is put together, locking itself in place, before you even put a drop of CA on it! You rubber band it just before gluing, and believe me, you can't even get any twist in the fuse by trying! Then when you glue it, you have an excellent, straight fuse, and it doesn't take any time at all. The wing and rest of the kit, build just as well. It has cheek cowls, so no bothering with cutting a plastic or fiberglass cowl, on the first plane. And if it's your 2nd or 3rd, it lends itself to building a balsa cowl to enclose the motor. (there was an article in RCM on how to do that).

AND, the best part of it is, when you are done, you have one of the best planes to fly ever, up to intermediate flying. Many novice pattern flyers have won contests with the Four Stars. They can do most any manuever, and yet, with the semisymmetrical wing, land like a kitten! My Four Star .60, was flown by a newbie that had just soloed on his trainer, and was flying inverted, and attempting knife edge flight, his first try on it.

Get with as many people as you can, find out kits they enjoyed building, and give it a try...it can be very rewarding, with the right combination of design, and kit manufacturing...