Kyflychick, you sound like a good recruit for 1/2A flight. For one thing, they are similar to the electrics you fly. Small, must be flown close,etc. They differ by being faster, more aggressive, and more traditional building techniques. A friend just recently made a TA152 with a $6 Cox Surestart. www.coxmodels.com look under specials. Build time was about two weeks and it looked incredible. Plans? He didn't use no stinkin' plans!
They aren't for the faint of heart, or those that are scared of ridicule! I can't count how many times I've been told my models aren't "real" models with "real" engines. 'Course some of them had big price tags...
Check out my site for some free 1/2a plans. That oughta give you and idea of the size/scale you'd be working with. www.ulmer-rc.com
I recommend this size because you made the remark that you're interested in designing your own. I've got a trainer in the works for the Surestart and there's free trainer plans at the top of the 1/2a forum here on RCU.