A couple things to think about. Buying a kit and the stuff needed to build it will begin to come close to the cost of an ARF. (Price the kit, add in a couple of rolls of covering at $12.00 to $15.00 per roll.) You'll eventually need the tools, the glue, the covering iron and heat gun anyway, so don't even count those.

Next, consider that as a newbie, the ARF will take you close to 40 hours to complete, while the kit could take 200 to 250 easily. With the schedule you described, if you (realistically) only spend 4 to 6 hours per week, that's 6 to 8 weeks for the ARF, but it's over 30 weeks for the kit. (Yes, more than 6 months.)

Now, if you watch, there are RTF's (with engine and radio) available once in awhile, in the $250 to $280 range, and I'm guessing you can get the needed field equipment for about $75. So you're looking at $225 to $250.

Another option; seeing that you're already in touch with a club, ask them if they have an annual auction or swap shop, or if they know of any in the area. Used equipment can usually be had at good prices, and for your trainer, new won't be new for long anyway. I helped a kid find a real nice used trainer (LT 40) with a TT 42 (I think it was), complete with 4 channel radio equipment all for $150. There were only two real problems with the equipment. One, the plane was covered in PINK and white ([X(]), and the radio gear was JR. (We use Futaba/Hitec almost exclusively.) BUT, I convinced the club member to let the kid keep a second JR transmitter to use as a buddy box while learning (along with the cord), with the understanding that the kid would give it back after he soloed.

There are many options available that will save you time and money. Just don't jump too quickly.

Good luck,
Dennis-