It is possible to build the kit before spring. One problem I ran into was covering. Don't use monokote, use econokote. Make sure that you don't shrink it too much otherwise it will crush the plane. Be careful when sanding things so that you don't sand it too thin. The instructions in the manual are pretty good as far as I remember. Regarding power options, I just went with the cheapest option of the t-400 motor. That was a big mistake! It flew so slow it was hard to manuever. If you can, go with LiPo batteries and a brushless motor. It will be so much better. As far as what would be a good choice, I'm not sure. Oh yeah...the tail wheel is terrible, and the ailerons will warp if you are not carefull with covering.

Good luck!