I used a Scat Cat for my first low wing which was built in 1980 and powered by an Irving .40 Mk II. It wasn't all that fast and with the throttle reduced and with setting the surface movements conservatively I think it’s doable. I have over 2500 flights on mine wearing out 3 engines and one transmitter in the process. An OS .32 would probably fly it quite nicely but will limit the vertical performance. An OS .40 or .46 LA would be an ideal engine for it as a second plane since you won’t be racing it – a BB .46 like the TT Pro or OS AX mount won’t fit the firewall on mine. With dual rates on a radio, setting docile control throws should be no problem. Mine has a Goldberg wing tip skid for a tail skid, but also has a rudder. I usually had someone to help do a pylon start so it was no problem and with the Irving .40 Mk II it was off the ground in 5’ or less. It was able to ROG, but initial direction control was a bear. If you can somehow incorporate a steerable tail wheel I would highly recomend it (I've seen it done, but don't remember how it was done).

With a buddy box and someone to work with, you should be able to handle it. It’s a great sport plane, but nothing like a docile a trainer. The low speed ground handling manners are not the best but it also can be a good teacher of using that left stick. You do have to fly it all the way down to the ground. Like JSN said, it is a floater in ground effect which is worsened by the wing sitting as close to the ground as it does land hotter than most sport planes (but so did most of the 500 class racers of that day).

Also the Scat Cat kit is still available from Lone Star.

Hogflyer