RE: Which plane best for first classic pattern scratch build?
Actually either Atlas or the older Superstar 2 would be very suitable. The all wood versions shown are both under 7 lb and with the .60 two strokes are really not underpowered, not too fast, although they do eat up the sky, and are both very honest (neutral) aeroplanes. Both could be flown 'SPA' with wheels down and 'BPA' wheels up. These two are from English (RCM&E) drawings and are pretty simple builds.
Evan, WB #12.