RE: How to build from plans?
bigedmustafa, the larger Guillow's kits are easier to build since they take the time out to properly die cut the parts out better. I picked up a Guillow's Javelin kit and the die cuts were so weak, it would be impossible for anybody to distinguish where to cut at, I recently built their 34"
Stuka, was much easier in that area regardless of the fact, it's a much more advanced design.
I of course did convert them to e-flight, photo's are attached, the Javelin, I took the plans, blew them up 200% and scratch built the plane, turned out really nice and is kind of a kick to see a toy plane from yesteryear flying at 200% scale with modern rc gear.
I still use wax paper between the plans and the balsa, it's really nice since nothing sticks to it, the only real catch to building from plans only is getting the proper size for the pieces themselves, it takes a little practice and you'll be cutting them larger then what you need, sanding/whittling them down to size, going back and forth, overlaying them onto the plans themselves, but since much of the time you are going to have identical parts, after you make the first one, you use that as a jig to guide your exacto around, also, make sure you are notching out the area for the stringers or what ever after the general piece is cut out after seperating it from the balsa stock or you'll have alot of broken corners.
After you build the first one, you'll likely be leaving the die cut stock in it's box and making your own pieces from scratch on kits you purchase in the Guillow's lines since you'll have a higher quality piece since you can control where the grain of the wood is at rather then worrying about keeping the die cuts efficient to maximize your stock. Lazer cut kits are really easy to do and if you have never done a kit before, may be the best way to go for your first one. Also, I don't do tissue paper any more, not with the advent of plastic sheeting they have these days, it's so much easier and much less toxic then going with the traditional paper/airplane dope meathod.
Also, had to edit this and add, some people make reverse copies of the plans on their computer and print them out with an ink jet printer, then lightly misting the balsa, "lightly I say" and with the printed side facing the wood, iron it causing the ink to transfer onto it so you are cutting along the lines. When I was a kid I used to like the kits where all they did was print directly to the balsa itself rather then die cuts, made it more challenging.