I think the picture that Jester is trying to paint here is that while engineers designed the plane/helicopter/tank/jeep/buggy/motorcycle/sandrail did the best possible job on portraying realism into the video game counterpart of the real-life vehicle, it does not, in any way, prepare someone to be a pilot/driver of a radio controled model of the same. To me its like saying someone who is a crack shot in Battlefield and can shoot people on a dead run and are just uncannily accurate would be fully capable of handling those same weapons in real life. I can attest to the intangibles that it requires to operate today's weapons systems and that most couldn't get one loaded properly let alone handle it responsibly. That would be a far cry away from even approaching any kind of ability to be accurate. While the gamer in me respects your opinion, the realist in me knows that you are a little off in your assessments. As a younger guy that is pretty new to the hobby still, my advice may hit home a little better I hope. I know that your best bet to be successful in this hobby is to do the best you can to stretch your dollar and get the best things for that dollar. I suggest an RC simulator of any shape or form, see if you can find one that is used but still works fine.. lots of guys upgrade or change to a different brand or whatnot.. look seriously at the parkzone line of foam electrics, I assure you won't be disappointed for the money. I have two of them personally and love them and my dad has one too and loves it the same. getting introduced to one of the local clubs will go a long way in helping you out. Most clubs that are worth a sneeze will have many guys that have things laying around that you would benefit greatly from. At your age, you may even be so fortunate that some of these guys are generous enough to donate things to help your quest for air under the wings. Don't feel like any of us on here are trying to poo-poo you for what you have been up to. We are simply trying to help a young up-and-comer make the best choices and purchases with his limited budget during these harder times. I personally would love to see you get into this because young fellas just don't come around these days. Cripes, I'm always the youngest guy by a good 15-20 years at alot of get togethers..

As far as your other project goes, give it a shot.. you will learn how to problems solve and troubleshoot and maybe, if you are good at the first two things, you end up with a neat modded result.. Don't feel like we are coming down on ya buddy, we want to see you have miles of success, that is the best part of this hobby Ihave not found anywhere else.. everyone generally wants to see the next guy do well.. unless he is a know-it-all jerk that won't accept the well intended advice!