This is most of my response to a PM from a fellow with limited funds, wanting to get into RC flight.

Thought it might be interesting to others.
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Looking in the Tower Hobbies catalogue there are several that you could start with, spending small bucks as you go.

The "Tower Trainer 40" kit is $60, add $15 or so for shipping, CA glue, and some sandpaper. This would be a good start, you'd be building a kit and getting the experience along with the introduction and an easy kit to build. Still needed would be the covering material, the engine, and radio gear.

A little more money initially would be the Great Planes "Electri-Cub." $75. But this one includes the drive motor and propellor. You'd still have to get the covering material and radio gear.

And since it is electric, a battery and charger are also needed. But no engine or fuel, it's generally cleaner to fly electric.

The ElectriCub isn't as easy to build as the Tower Trainer, but it's still within the abilities of a beginner.

With the ElectriCub your cost in the air will be around $225-$230, the Tower Trainer more likely $300-$325. With the higher price you also get a much more capable airplane. It will keep you interested longer, having moderate aerobatic potential. The ElectriCub is pretty much limited to level flight and loops.

If you can float a loan you might be interested in a "Ready-to-Fly"' deal, such as the Hobbico "Superstar Select." This is advertised as "Ready for takeoff in just 20 minutes." It includes the engine, prop, spinner, and a Futaba 4 channel radio set. But the price is $350. And you don't get to build the plane, it's already done.

If you just want to fly quickly and don't want to wait to build, and want to fly at a very low cost, Hobbico offers two more, both electric, and everything comes in the box. Along with an instructional video.

The first is the "Aero Cruiser." Wingspan is 37.5" and iot includes a three channel radio, with rudder, elevator, and throttle controls. Being just a three channel, the radio will be limited for future use, but this rig will get you flying. Its capabilities are about the same as the ElectriCub, but it wont fly in as much wind.

The second is the "Speed Pilot." Same plane with a simpler radio. A two channel rig with elevator and rudder controls only. Turn the motor on and fly, come down when the battery is discharged. But it's $120 ready to go. And it still includes the video.

You can also go to Wal-Mart or a similar store, get a minimum electric for $40-$60. I will guarantee total boredom almost immediately, and you wont learn much, if anything, from playing with it.

Bill.