RE: NitroPlanes 69" YAK 54 - anyone built one ?
The only thing I'd need to buy is the tube. I've got extra wheels, and they're not that expensive. Most of the hardware is identical to the other similar plane - it's definitely not $200 worth of upgrading. Maybe a couple of dollars worth of screws, but everything else looks really good (horns, pull/pull, etc.)
I think a less expensive plane is a good choice for someone in their first -> second year of flying; I'd love to get the 'nicer' plane, but just can't justify spending over $450 (shipping) for an airframe. There's no way the NP airframe will cost over $300 even with upgrades and shipping.