Sarge-

I just had another thought. It was right under my nose. Bubbagates started a thread last year called "Pay it forward" [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/Pay_it_forward_%28Was_freebie_and_fee_engine%29/m_2359043/tm.htm]Here[/link], where people basically volunteer to give away unused RC equipment to help other people get started. A lot of people have been helped through this program. You might be able to at least pick up a decent used engine or radio for the cost of shipping. If you can find an engine, I have a SPAD Debonair that I could give you. Then you would just need the radio.

Let me know if you are interested.

-Scott