The RCM trainer is very good. The firewall/engine bearer area needs fuelproofing. Best is to brush on some 2-hour epoxy, as it will also seep into cracks improving glue joint strength.

The plane tends to come out a bit tailheavy, so plan on putting the radio equipment as far forward as you can to minimize the need for "dead lead" ballast.

Just carefully follow the instructions and it will go together easilly.

Remember that you can use slower epoxy than called for... but never use 5 min where it asks for 30 min, as you can get in serious trouble getting things together before it sets up. (as a local beginner found out when his wings didn't quite get all the way together... got stuck with a 1/4 inch gap in center. ) Also slower cure epoxy seeps ito the wood better, giving stronger joints. (and better fuelproofing)

I've helped 2 beginners assemble RCM Trainer 40's. Took just 4 hours each. (alone... expect closer to 8 or 10 since its your first plane.) They fly GREAT!

PLEASE get help with learning to fly... the plane will only survive to start 1 flight if you don't. The plane neds to be trimmed for level flight, and a beginner's got enough problems keeping a trimmed plane under control without having to deal with something that doesn't want to fly straight.

I have one with FMA Direct's "Co-Pilot" and the plane is absolutely great to fly - been training a couple of people with it and the progress of the trainees is great!

Jerry