As to what radio, you might check out the Tactic 850 (now available at Tower Hobbies for $159). It is a great 8 channel radio with 30 model memories, easy to program, very reliable. I have several 2.4 systems (Futaba, Spectrum, Orange, Hitec and Airtronics) and seriously believe that the Tactic is by far the best buy for the money. Not only a good radio system but inexpensive receivers as well.