Hello; I, too recommend the Sig mid-star 40. I have built 3 of them and wish I had one now. I have a Sig 4 star 60, and love that plane too, but I still think the mid star 40 is a better all-around plane for a beginner/intermediate.

I had a Slo-poke 25, and it was an evil plane to properly control, if the slo-poke 40 is like the 25, I wouldn't suggest it. I noticed that the one guy who did recommend it, hadn't flown his yet.

There is so much talk about expense, my attitude is that if you can't afford it, then save up until you can, don't try to cut corners or you will be dissappointed. Also, one little crash and it's all over, and your just mad. I tried to make do with cheap engines when I began, they just added to the frustration, and made the learning process one step more difficult. Nobody flys model airplanes to save money.

I had a Kavalier too, still have it, in fact. Another great second plane, but quite a bit more difficult to build then the mid-star 40. Sig kits are great. Another fellow at our field has a Tiger 60, which flies great for a second plane. I have built most of the glodberg line and like them a lot, but I don't care for the Tiger since they are awkward to carry with the canopy right over the c of g. Then there's the Goldberg Protoge, another great second plane.