RE: what was your first jet
My first jet model was a ducted fan F-4 Phantom, from the Nick Ziroli plans. 35" span, with a Axiflow 25 / OS.25 vfdf engine. Fixed gear, and all planked/sheeted balsa. This was probably in 1988. I remember seeing these plans advertised in MAN magazine, along with a little Viggen, and later, an F-15.
Per the plans, this model was waaay tail heavy! I'd like to build another one though!