It never ceases to amaze me. We get a new member who wants to get into to turbines... and says... "I don't want to break the bank"... and you guys always throw out a model that will cost +$5000 to get in the air.

I'm proud to label myself as a hobo, or ghetto jet flyer. Every single one of my models was built on a budget, and I have 5 flying jets, for the price that some guys have into a single model. My trainer was in the air for around $1100. (less the Tx'r)

Anyway... what's wrong with covering? If you want to keep price in check... then wood and coving are fine. Heck... if built right... they can be light, and WAY tougher than composite. Not to mention... if something falls on the wing of your wood jet, it can be fixed easy. It's not so easy to fix a composite wing with a hole punched in it. AND, it's not always possible.

My suggestion is to look at the used market, and go to a jet rally. I've been offered some crazy good deals over the years. Sometimes guys are just tired of a model, and don't even want to pack it back into their trailer. Sometimes, they knock the landing gear off, and ask 1% of the model's new value for something that is an easy fix.

Right now, my favorite model is my Firebird. It looks like a reaction 54, but it's smaller. They aren't easy to source, but they are well under $700 new/shipped. I got mine for $300 locally. Someone bought it, and decided they didn't like it. It's light, compact, and super easy to fly. (But it's wood and covering) Boomerangs are great... but personally I think they are a little expensive new. BUT they are all over the used market because some guys see them as "Trainers" opposed to what they really are... a nice sport jet. Not all of us want scale warbirds. I never wanted them when I flew prop models... so why would I want them flying jets?

Oh... Rich is a good guy. If you buy something from him... he will take care of you.

Just my 2 cents... take it for what it's worth.