ORIGINAL: cowana

I've decided I would like to properly fly rc helicopters. I've flown a few coaxials that require no skill, as well as learning on proper simulators (realflight). For my first helicopter I think 450 sized is the size for me - although 500 is more stable, I think the added power needed and weight of it make it a bit much.

I already own a Futaba 6EX system I can use, so I don't need to buy a radio. I also have lipo chargers and balancers. I'm a fan of hobbyking, and think I will probably get the actual helicopter and accessories from there. So, I need to decide on:

A helicopter
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=10811]HK450 CCPM 3D Helicopter Kit (Align T-rex Compat.) Ver. 2[/link] - $27.99
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=10413]HK-450MT CCPM 3D Fully Alloy Helicopter Kit (Align T-Rex Compat.)[/link] - $46.79
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=10900]HK-450GT CCPM 3D Full Alloy Helicopter Kit (Align T-Rex Compat.)[/link] - $46.99
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=10902]HK-450GT Pro 3D Belt-Drive Helicopter Kit (Align T-Rex Compat.)[/link] - $55.95
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=10901]HK-450TT PRO 3D Torque-Tube Helicopter Kit (Align T-Rex Compat.)[/link] - $59.99

I have no idea which of these to get - I've heard the torque tubes are less forgiving, so I'd be tempted towards the HK-450GT Pro. However, this doesn't seem to be full alloy - so why is it more expensive? Any thoughts?

A motor
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9021&Product_Name=Turnigy_Typhoon_450H__2215H_Heli_Moto r_3550kv_450_class&aff=120355]Turnigy Typhoon 450H 2215H Heli Motor 3550kv (450 class)[/link]
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9257&Product_Name=Turnigy_Typhoon_450H__2215H_Heli_Moto r_3550kv_450_class&aff=120355]Turnigy Typhoon 450H 2218H Heli Motor 3450kv (450 class)[/link]

The 2215 seems to be popular, although the 2218 seems to have a little more power. Are there any disadvantages to the 2218?

Pinions
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=8574]Part # F050[/link] - I assume I need these?

An ESC
Is a [link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=11430]HobbyKing 40A BlueSeries Brushless Speed Controller[/link] OK?
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=2165]TURNIGY Plush 40amp Speed Controller[/link] seems very popular...

A battery
A 3S, 2200mah lipo. Any particular one?

A gyro
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=10113&Product_Name=Hobby_King_401B_AVCS_Digital_Head_Loc k_Gyro_&aff=120355] Hobby King 401B AVCS Digital Head Lock Gyro [/link]

A tail servo
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=14279]HobbyKing HK-922MG Digital Metal Gear Servo 1.8kg/ 12g/ 0.07sec [/link].
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=8511] Turnigy DS480 Digital Servo 1.85kg / .068sec / 10.9g [/link]. ******

Three other servos
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=662]HXT900 9g / 1.6kg / .12sec Micro Servo[/link].
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=14458]HobbyKing 939MG Metal Gear Servo 2.5kg/ 12.5g/ 0.14sec[/link]. ******

Accessories
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9653]A pitch gauge?[/link]
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=11451]A rotor balancer?[/link]
ESC programming card?
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=12231]Swash plate leveller?[/link]
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=11454]Ball link pliers?[/link]
Loctite!
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=11070]A nice 1.5mm hex driver[/link]

Upgrades
Does the main thing come with blades?
Alloy/new head?
[link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9342]New Canopy?[/link]New canopy?
Any ideas or suggestions?

Spare Parts
Spare tail blades?
Spare main blades?
What else gets broken?

Any suggestions for parts or ideas are much appriciated. I've read most of the 'HK-450GT CCPM Alloy T-Rex compatible' thread on this forum, but the range of equipment people are using leaves me a bit confused when it come to choosing mine.

Thanks

Andrew

I'm not sure if this should be in the T-Rex heli section - if it should be, could a mod move it? Thanks!