When I got started with scale combat, I flew JKA p-47N's and they are great flying planes, tough, easy to build an repair, and they can be quite effective, even against the best out there. They give up a little in wingspan (or a lot, depending on what the other guy has), but if you keep them light (mine were right at 3lbs ready to fly less fuel), they really turn tight.

Just a couple of weekends ago I spent 8 rounds chasing a JKA P-47 all over the place, and even my Firebrands didn't have a huge performance edge of the P-47, I really had to work to get him.

A soda-bottle cowl and some extra sanding on the fuse goes a long way.

The JKA P-47 is still the plane I suggest to someone who wants to try scale combat for the first time.