Well i like you only took up the hobby not too long ago, I also started with the wrc escort but i had already ordered hop ups such as the tamiya bearings, prop shaff, rz motor, carbon upper frame. It took me 2 evenings to build it, though unfortunately i don't have a table where i could have laid everything out which is a must. I tried to do it sitting in a chair while the wife had the heating on full blast and that combined with the small pins that you have to balance in made me a little short tempered. Though i would advise that you take your time because at some point or another its going to have to come apart again either for maintenance or to fit upgraded parts, after a few times though you will get the hang of it. The only problem then is you will want to buy another and build it to perfection and then another and another. You also become addicted to hop ups, mo matter how little they do or how much they cost.