Are you familiar with the Love Air Club in your area. I am in Denver. They fly 9.5 east of I-25 on Highway 14. I would suggest you contact the club for advice. I have a Boomerang Intro which is very easy to fly but is not "scale like".
First decide what size engine you are going to buy. A 14lb thrust engine flies the Boomerang very well.
I am converting a Top Gun F-15 to turbine, which flew OK at this altitude as a ducted fan and should be much better as a turbine. There are several turbines fliers at Chatfield in South West Denver.

I help maintain a list of jet fliers in the front range and will send you the list if you email me direct. Also you can phone me if you email for the list.