ORIGINAL: iflynething
Let's add up everything that I will need other than the electronics, that I already have. OK:
$80 - Kit
$40-50 - covering
Having the ablility to actually walk and build the Somethin' Extra: PRICELESS (I broke my back August 8th. Luckily I'm not paralized)
But really, what would I expect to have to get after the kit. I already have a heat gun (there's $25) and an iron (there's $20). I have some clamps from Lowe's (had to get some for my Funtana crash HEHE). What all have you experienced you needed kiswa up until covering. Sandbags, t-pins, etc. My dad was saying something like double the kit price after you get everything up to covering and everything.
Just to complete the kit, you will need things like wheels, fuel tank, fuel line, glue, and covering. The covering cost depends on what you use and how complex your design is. 2 rolls of anything shouldn't be more than $40. The more colors, the more dollars. As far as tools and building supplies, it depends a lot on what you are starting with. Assuming it is nothing, you will need sand paper, sanding blocks/bars (which can be made or bought), hobby knife & blades, pins, a building surface, etc. You will probably want to invest in a trim iron (I use mine as much or more than the regular iron).
I've made a number of modifications from the stock kit, so I couldn't even begin to tell you what mine has cost. (I've heard your dad's advice before, and it's probably a good *starting* point, but I wouldn't count on that being the final number.) I just start working and when I need something, I buy it when I have the money to do so. And when the plane is finished, then I'm done.
All I know is that I really enjoy building. And unless I have nothing left in flying condition, I can't ever see myself buying an ARF. In fact, if I had it to do over again, I wouldn't have even bought my second Avistar. I should have started flying the Tiger 2 right then. But I was afraid if getting in over my head and didn't want to move up too fast.