RE: beginner's questions........
Richard,
Often the parts don't exactly fit the lines on the plans. The printing often "re-sizes" the lines a little. Just glue the parts together and make them fit even if they don't line up on the drawing. I usually just use the plans to get everything straight, i.e. spars, ribs, fuselage bulkheads, etc. I don't really use the plans for parts outlines, and actually could build the plane with the plans on the wall and only used for reference. I've done that on occasion by drawing alignment lines on a large piece of paper under the construction. This keeps the plans in pristine shape in case I want to use them for another build.
Good luck
Paul