If you have time, read this forum. http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3439708/tm.htm
It has A LOT of great info. I did, and then built the Tiger 60 (converted to a tail dragger) as my first kit (fourth plane) for my 12 year old son for his second plane. He soloed with the Nexstar last year. The Tiger 60 is a faily easy kit to build, but bigger than what you want.
They do make a 40 size. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXDJC9&P=0 but I believe that you would have to convert it for dual aileron servos.
You probably alreay know this, but you can convert the Nexstar to dual aileron servos. I did it, just for the practice.
I'm currently building a Top Flight Sea Fury as my second kit. Whenever possible, I'm still using most of the techniques in the LT-40 build. Good luck with your kit build. You will probably have lots of questions, and these guys on RCU will help you out.

Forgot something. In that LT-40 build there are a lot of posts that don't have to do with building the plane. You will see what I mean, but it is still GREAT info worth reading throught the "junk".