If a kit is easy enough to make success a high probability, and still provide a good foundation for learning the basics of building, I would say that it would be a good first kit.

I built a 4 * 40 and found it instructional, even though I had already framed up the wings on a Top Flite Spitfire kit. The semi-symetrical wing of the 4 * that still builds flat on the buildboard, is a good introduction to built up wings. The simple fuse construction with it's turtledeck nose is a gentle intro to fuse construction. The slab tailfeathers allow you to concentrate on hinging, linkages and alignment, all of which are even more critical in intermediate kits like the Top Flite.

There are several advantages to building a plane like the 4 *, or even a trainer. One is cost. It is easy to dump a lot of money into a kit like the Top Flite. If I were to add up all that I have in my Spitfire, it is probably somewhere around $1500. Granted, I did a lot to my kit that are not necessary. I quickly realized that I wanted to learn flying on something a bit easier and cheaper. That was the main motivation for me building the 4 *( I ultimately got a trainer too).

Another advantage of the 4* is that it has a lot of flexibility to help in your flying progress. Built per plans with a 40 engine, it's a fairly gentle flier and a real floater on landings. You can put a larger engine in it, like a 46 or 50, and get a good performance boost. For a further boost, you can clip the wings.

Also, with it's simple construction, it is a fairly easy plane to repair. I've had two significant crashes, 1 of which involved rebuilding everything from the cockpit forward, fixing breaks in the fuse at the tail, and repairing the LE and a couple of ribs.

It's a build you can get through quickly, and have something to fly when you want to take a break from building.

As to the question of can you start with a plane like the C182, it depends. I started with a TF Spitfire, which I just completed. I feel I benefited from the 4 * if for no other reason than to help assure myself I could successfully build. I also have to say that a lot of my success on my Spit build is because of being able to follow along other TF Spitfire build threads here on RCU. I know for a fact that I would not have been able to achieve the results I have, without them.

I would recommend a plane like the 4 * before starting your TF kit. If you really don't like it, in the end, sell it and recover some of the cost to put toward your 182.

Whichever way you go, there's a lot of good help here on RCU. Use it.

good luck and good building

Scott

PS, If you haven't already, check out Paul Johnson's website at www.airfieldmodels.com