No RC experiance. Building static wooden kits, yes, flying examples, no. Dad always said if you can read you can tackle most any job. I have a mechanical background and limited money, so I don't want to spend my money and time on a/c I have no interest in, ie civilian type trainers. I figure I'll enjoy the builds now (what I really like to do. Can't build cars or bikes anymore due to health issues, soooo it's like physical therapy) and later on, if I want to fly, I'll worry about getting a trainer then. Hehehe, not even sure I'm interested in flying since I don't know what I'm missing. I going to join a local club though and might let someone shake the a/c down for me.
The reason I have the 2 is because I wanted the Zero, but found the plans lacking in the placement aspect of the radio gear. So I got a Platt plan to practise on, the blue prints have everything spelled out. I got the Zero's fuse and rudder framed up before I realized the plans left it up to the builder as to placement of the radio gear. And since it's the working gear I'm not familiar with I decided to shelve the Zero until I can get an idea of ideal location and the best gear for the flying aspect of the model.

Concerning the soldering, I've done the old forced hot water home heating where the copper pipes were used. But that involved using a bigger torch than I would want around this fragile wood. Would using a soldering gun be OK? And which solder is preferred. Or how about drilling and putting in a stop pin?