RTF's are great for those looking to jump right in, especially if you have flown before but dont have the time, room, or patience to build one. <div>
</div><div>If you are diligent and do some research however, you  can find an RTF to expand upon.  Eflite T-34, or I think H9 PTS Mustang(have to double check the TX), are good examples, first is Electric, the latter glow. </div><div>
</div><div>The Eflite comes with a DX6i radio which can hold 10 models. in a few hours you can be flying it, and since it is PTS you can train on it, and then take off the droops and perform with it. Same with the PTS Mustang except it is glow, so you would need a field kit and fuel. </div><div>
</div><div>OK now you have a plane to fly, a radio to expand with, now go build a second plane and enjoy. </div><div>
</div><div>Cost is under $500. For another $100 you can get a few more batteries and a fast charger too. That is about the same as a field kit for glow. </div><div>
</div><div>So good RTF or a kit, price is about the same.   Satisfaction of flying is instant though with the RTF.   </div><div>
</div><div>Now if you did like me and your third plane is a kit plane, well, lets just say it will take a few seasons to pay off the plastic that my kit is on. P-51 mustang, new Futaba radio, DLE20, mess of servos, retracts, etc. etc. price adds up far above what the OP posted.  I think I sunk at least $1700 into it so far, but that also included odds and ends to be used on other planes too. </div><div>
</div><div>Sticking to swap meets from here on out though, can save a lot of money and since cash only , cant spend what I dont have! LOL   I budgeted $300 at the last one and walked out with a big plane for the DLE20 trial runs, an OS 52 Surpass 4 stroke, and a bunch of small items I needed, and still had over $100 left in my pocket. </div><div>
</div><div>By the time I finish building, not counting my Ultra Micros and helis, I will have 5 planes, 2 Gas, 2 Electric and one glow.  </div><div>
</div><div>All that started with one RTF! </div>