I also would like to commend you on your efforts to indulge your sons in something they love. My dad got me started when I was 5. I'm now 50 and he's 83 and we still fly every chance we get.

I would also like to reaffirm the comment about finding your local club. This is not something to do in your backyard, and you will learn more in one afternoon there than we could ever say here.

But to give you a general idea, to start out you will need three things: (Note, I am speaking of "Glow Engine" equipment here which is my preference, but electrics are similar)

1) A trainer type Airplane (They are all vey similar, so I won't recommend a brand)

2) A radio - you will NEED a basic 4 channel radio (4 Channels = Rudder, Elevator, Ailerons, Throttle) at a cost of about $120 each (If your wallet can go $190 you can get into a 6 channel computer radio). The radio will contain all of your electronics - Transmitter (or control box) receiver, servos, batteries and charger etc.

3) An Engine - These can be gotten in the $50 range, but you're much better off going into the $80 range for something you can grow into.

Of course you will still need accessories, but you don't usually need to get everything at once. If someone shows up at my field with just a jug of fuel, he can borrow anything he needs from me (another good reason to check out that club!)

So go on over there with the boys and introduce yourself, You'll be glad you did!