Basmntdweller,

I would seriously consider a 46/50 size. Specifically the new Century Falcon SE/V2 or if you prefer electronic CCPM, the Century Raven 50, both cost less then $400.00 and have loads of featrures that would be extra on others or are not available on others. Because they are so light, they are little powerhouses even when used with the far less expensive OS46FXH. This combination with the OS46FXH, a CN3033A or B muffler would not cost you much more then many 30 size heli's out there. This baby has:
1- they have a great rotor head (a lighter version of the X-Cell unit) that has never had any flutter issues.
2- they have oilite bushings in the center of the washout hub (where it slides up and down the mainshaft). Just be sure to secure them by wicking some thin CA between them and the hub).
3- they come with a fully metal swashplate
4- they have bearings on everything
5- they have a clutch system that need no alignment and that lasts for a long long time.
6- they have a start shaft that does not turn when the engine is running so it will not contribute any high frequency vibrations.
7- they come with a slipper clutch to drive the tail during autos and a CDT (constantly driven tail) option is available.
8- they come with a carbon fiber torque tube drive system.
9- they come with a tail rotor system that has two radial bearings and one thrust bearing in each blade grip.
10- they come with 600mm fiberglas/carbon fiber composite blades

etc.etc.etc.

Their very light weight with these engines give them a power to weight ratio to rival the best 60's. The large 600mm blade rotor combined with this light weight make them the easiest heli to auto. Even better then my 60's.

These are great buys. I do not know how they can sell for the low price they do? Or maybe I do not know why the others cost so much more?

They have taken the 30 and 50 market by storm here.