good for you to want to scratch build it is a LOT of fun and very satisfying. kit building is a logical first step especially if the type of kit is close towhat you want to scratch build. there are many types of construction a good first build could be a spad the plans are free and materials are cheap if not free so booboos are not at all devastating. redoes are just learning experiences and the cheaper the materials the less grief you'll get from the spousal unit......look in the kit building forums for ideas. and check out the TRAINERS on SPADs, the methods used there are helpful with any build. i love the SIG kits. leftover wood from kits are nice to have for scratch building too. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DECALAGE! with what ever you build as this allways determines flyability. i have scratch built many trainers for newbies using the basics off a kit's plan. but most of all HAVE FUN