I think you should do whatever you are wanting to do. However, since you do already have an electric, I would go ARF if you have the time and patience to do it. I built my first plane, (SIG LT-40) last weekend. I learned a LOT from building it. However, you should probably have someone there with you that can help you. I had my son-in-law with me and he was a HUGE help, in fact he had some good ideas that we used that were not in the instructions. I think building the plane helps you understand your plane much better, but that's just my opinion.

For the record, I used the O.S. .40 engine and the Futaba 4YF 4-channel radio. I bought the whole thing from Tower Hobbies for just over $325.

My son-in-law has the Hanger 9 Mustang. He loves the plane, he just has problems keeping it out of the pond! [&o]