RE: Good scale kit for first time build?
I would recommend more of a "fun scale" type plane rather than a full blown scale job. For example, the Top Flite Gold Edition kits are great kits and great fliers but I wouldn't suggest it as a first project. The Goldberg Ultimate builds like a sport plane and would be a good choice. A Goldberg Cub is another thought. The GP Decathlon... Something along those lines.