The degree of difficulty and complexity of model airplane designs is so broad that some scratch designs are actually easier and faster to build than a lot of kits are. Some of Randy Randolf's many 1/2A designs would be good first plans built projects for those who want to get their feet wet in plans building. The 1/2A Bee Tween could almost be built in a weekend if you are industrious and would make a great electric conversion if you don't wish to fool with Cox .049 engines.