Sharku,

The best value kit that's currently available (IMHO) is the SIG 1/5 scale Cub. It's laser cut, well engineered and looks very scale when it's done. Big enough to see in the air, yet uses a readily available 2 or 4 stroke engine of your choice. Alex is right about SIG. They make great kits.

On a par with SIG is Balsa USA, especially their WWI planes. While not totally scale, they certainly look the part and fly extremely well. They're surprisingly easy to build (if you follow the extremely well-written instructions) and their die-cutting and wood quality are both excellent.

Have fun!

papermache