Hello, I just got into this hobby about two months ago. I havent had a whole lot of time at the field, but hopefully after this week I will be flying solo. I spent about 500 dollars on everything that I will need for a little while. This includes an alpha trainer from hangar 9 complete with the all radio equipment, transmitter and all, an evolution 46 size engine, and everything on the plane was already installed except for the tail which took about 10 minutes to but on. That whole set was 300 bucks and then I bought a field starter kit that included everything I needed to get into the air. This included a field box with power panel, 12v battery, electric starter, electric fuel pump, electric glow starter, all fittings for the fuel itself, and everything else you might need to start flying. That cost me 220 dollars- so all together with tax and all I spent around 545 dollars. That is everything you will need. And like they saiid, it is addictive. I cant even fly solo yet but I am already addicted. Just shop around for whatever model plane you want, but be sure to get a good trainer. I really like mine and think it flys good, but I wouldnt be able to tell the difference in trainers yet since I just started. Good Luck!!!