I'd just like to make a small correction to Brian's original start-up calculations.

You do not need a $40 field charger when flying glow, the starter battery and glow igniter battery will last for a full day of flying, so the wall warts you have at home are sufficient. If you're going to include a $10 box for the glow stuff, you need to include it for the E stuff as well. (Charger, prop wrench, props, extra pack(s), misc. tools....)

And that $10 for the misc. (tubing filters, etc.); how much was the solder to build that $50 pack? The wire and connectors? (You are using Dean's or Sermos aren't you?)

Realistically, if your planning on flying more than once in each hour or so, you'll also need more than one "$50 to $60" pack.

Keep in mind we're talking about newbies and trainers here. How many of these guys are set up with the tools or knowledge to "build" their own battery packs? So the pack costs are likely to be 25 to 30% higher.

I agree that we're getting real close to an E powered trainer that will be comparable to a 40 size glow, both in performance and price, but I really wish that people attempting to make comparisons would try to keep them apples to apples.

By the way, I fly both glow and "E", and have introduced many club members to "E" power, so please, don't bash me as the 'typical' glow flyer. Okay?
Dennis-