I am still a beginner builder/flyer. Actually my flying is pretty good; I can't get landings down yet.

I have an ARF trainer and decided I wanted to try a kit. I bought a SIG Astro Hog because it is supposed to be a good second plane and it looks cool to me. When I read the instructions I knew it was over my head for a first build. I built a Great Planes PT-60 (yes, a trainer kit) and learned a lot. The instructions are great. The plane was a great flyer until I cartwheeled it down the runway trying a deadstick landing. I thought I could do it so I asked my brother/instructor to let me try and I got myself disoriented and stuffed it down. Total 'dumb thumbs' on my part.

As a second build I chose a Tower Hobbies Uproar 60. Instructions are pretty good and the build is fairly simple. The plane is ready to fly but I'm not sure I'm ready for it.

I looked at the manual for the Skyshark Val online and I don't know if I could build it or not.

All of this rambling really leads to one thing and it's only an opinion from someone who does not know you. Build at least one kit before attempting to build the scale warbird. The SIG Somethin Extra and Four Star appear to be good first builds and take you beyond the 'trainer' stage. There are several build threads running in the beginner forum. The Skyshark Fantasy and Bruce Tharpe Venture 60 are other possibilities.