Hello Dan,
I see this is your first post, so welcome on board!
The Sidewinder is not a project suited to everyone, that is certain. As you state, it is not a kit so here are a lot of bits and pieces to make. On the other hand, scratch-building may be more satisfying in the end; at least you can say with some conviction that you indeed "built it yourself" whenever that inevitable question comes up.
I have one of the five or so Sidewinders in Canada, it is one of two in BC, the rest are in Ontario I believe.
Good luck with the project and PM me if you have specific questions.
Chris