WOW...I'm glad I signed up. Its amazing and encouraging to find that the people involved in RC's are so willing to help.

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THE INVALUABLE ADVICE!!!!

DBCherry - Great list, I am going to start getting what I need right away. I probably will purchase the radio and engine before spring. That way I can hit the feilds as soon as the weather improves. Thanks!

r1morris - Is there any particular brand of engine you use. I might go with the Thunder Tiger or OS 40 size engine. Is there a certain brand that is more reliable? Thanks!

Kota_air - Great idea, and the good news is, I already have some of the containers you're referring to. Thanks!

TomCrump - I am building a work bench in my basement out of plywood and 2x4's. Thanks for the advice, I will be sure to make it straight and level. Hopefully the plywood isn't to hard to stick the pins into. Thanks!

hnesitd1 - I'm a firm beleiver in reference material. Chances are, I will get the manual. Thanks for the link!

Miloh - I too am big on safety. Once I find an instructor I'll be sure to get him to review the safety aspects of the hobby. Almost every job I've had required great attention to detail. Sometimes people become complacent and that leads to being careless. Maybe some RC Safety Association would be in order here. Just to keep pushing the safety aspects. Maybe one of us could create a RC safety website and provide some reference materials for individuals and clubs. Do you know of any good publications, or perhaps you have already have done something up. Anyway, just a few ideas, let me know what you think! Thanks!