I would recommend something simple as well. The Hasegawa VF1 kits can be difficult. Pickup some plane models, any plane models, and practice on those. You can pick up some cheap ones at Walmart or Hobby Lobby.
I do understand what Slamdunk is saying, but that is the price of having the popluar vote choose what they think is the best. This is also the best way to do an online modeling contest.