Crystals are still being made and sold.

http://search.horizonhobby.com/index...d=132C18E0D20F

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...%3C%2FB%3Es+fm

You don't need to spend much on batteries at all. Just shop around. Many times Tower Hobbies has a sale on them. My LHS sells switches for around $2 not $5. Ask around in your Club, if your not a member of a Club I ask that you do so. It never hurts to compare prices. They will help you with everything you need to get started including free lessons and tips. I've given away many things to help a beginner get started, I'm sure others will do the same if they have something extra they aren't using.

Beware- buying things used from E-bay isn't always a good thing. IMHO It's better to buy things new if you can because you will have a warrenty that comes with it. One thing I learned in this hobby is we don't have to spend much to get what we need, if we look hard enough.


Pete