Just read Mountaineerfan36 post and it spurred me to write. I am getting ready to get into RC Planes and I want to avoid as many mistakes as possible. I have done a lot of research and I have planned to buy a trainer and join a club here in Northern VA. I have already join the AMA and enjoy the monthly magazine.

I plan to buy a SIG Kadet LT 40 ARF with a O S AX 46 engine, though I have recently read that Evolution engines are possibly better. I wanted to originally build it from a kit but I don't really have a lot of time and I don't know how difficult it would be and what additional basic equipment I would need and the cost involved to build it. I have read reccommendations in these forums that beginners should build their planes from a kit as it would give them some knowledge on how to repair the plane after a crash, which is evitiable. I can't seem to find videos on basic modeling building from beginning to end; from understanding plans, to covering, to making sure the end product is square and soundly put together. If I were to buy a kit instead of an ARF, what can I expect in cost (approximately) to buy the equipment to build it.

I also plan to buy a Futaba 6EXAS 6 channel radio. Is this too complicated for a beginner? I am trying to avoid purchasing a 4 channel radio initially only to have to upgrade to a 6 channel radio for a second or third plane.

Am I on the right track? Are there any comments or suggestions. Please help.