I'll chime in since I was in your shoes very recently. I read different posts on the RCUniv web site about trainers, and picked the SIG Kadet LT 40 for my first plane. I ordered the kit version of it with a radio and engine from Tower Hobbies (online at www.towerhobbies.com).

It will definitely cost MORE if you buy the kit. The difference in price between the kit and the ARF is only $40 US. The tools required will cost more than that. (Don't tell my wife). But I enjoy building models (my "main" hobby is model trains). That's why I bought a kit.

It took me roughly 3 weeks to build the kit. I thought it would longer than this since it was my first wood kit, but cyanoacrylate glue makes things go fast. I wasn't aware that CA was used for gluing wood. Covering it was my least favorite part of the job, mainly because it was something I'd never done before. There are a few wrinkles here and there, but you'll never see them when it's in the air.

The plane has 6 flights on it so far. My instructor was surprised with how little trim it required. Beginners luck I guess.

Kerry