More flying equals more errors! Build. Fly. Crash. Repeat! I am learning myself that plane size is a ratcheting process. There is a basic minimum of what can successfully fly outdoors. That's the Mini Scout, but I warn you, it is an absolute handful in even a light wind.
Ratchet it up a bit and things get bigger. The Tiny Trainer. It was poorly named. The wingspan is remarkably larger than the Mini Scout, it can comfortably handle much higher wind with the "trainer" wing, and is a really a wonderful platform to learn to fly on.
Ratchet it up a bit and you get the Simple Scout. My first and so far only flight with that plane was also my first successful (and only try to) take off on wheels. The "light" wind (call it 8mph or so) did not seem to affect it at all, except she took off in like two feet and I actually had the experience to handle that.
The benefit of the TT is you can learn to fly 3ch, with that wonderful polyhedral trainer wing, and go to four channel, with the "Sport" wing when you feel you are ready. The Mini Scout is an absolute blast to fly 3ch, but I really can't recommend it as a first time maiden flight unless the wind is absolutely calm, then she'd be a joy.
For me, the Simple Scout took off and flew like a darn albatross! She just lept off the ground, became a bit ponderous for a few moments, and then she just sort of ignored the wind and soared! I was flying that one 4ch.
Unless you've got something you just HAVE to build? I'd say go with the 3ch TT until you learn how to orientate, then just right into the 4ch sport wing on the TT. When you feel like you might could maybe fly it? Then just right into the 4ch Simple Scout.
I thank you for posting your thread. It was not your intent, but I just thought through a learning progression of plane builds, vs. skill level and I think it will work really well if someone wanted to fast track to bigger planes and 4ch flight.
I grant, the path laid out accepts that there will be many crashes and much rebuilding. Build. Fly. Crash. Repeat. It's only foamboard!