RE: Which biplane?
If you are looking for a beginner bipe, and a scratchbuild, try the RCM Airmeister by Floyd Manly, RCM Plans #805. 42" wingspan for a .40 to .46 2 stroke engine. The only problem now is finding the Mr. Mulligan cowl, but the Great Planes 1/12 combat corsair cowl #GPMA2614 fits pretty good.
It is designed for rubber bands on both wings, but shouldn't be too much hassle to convert to bolt on.
For a top view, see my avitar.
It is one of the plans that come with really good set of instructions.