PaPa,

Please fill-in the "Location:" spot in your "My RCU" prefs. -thank you.

The engines will vary in price, depending on which brand, model, and size. For example: an "OS .40LA" is an engine that can purchased inexpensively, however, it doesn't have bearings, and therefore will wear-out quicker, needed a replacement sooner. An "OS .40FX" has a bearing and will last quite a bit longer.

I bought the "OS .46FX" which has more power than the two listed above:
OS .40LA: 1 bhp
OS .40FX: 1.4 bhp
OS .46FX: 1.6 bhp

The radios, you can get at around $130 (USD) for a good 4-channel. Channel assignments would be: 1-Throttle; 1-Ailerons; 1-Elevators; 1-Rudder.
A nice 5-Channel (JR) radio is available with the Hangar9 "Xtra Easy" RTF, sold for $389, or the radio by itseld for $189... I went with the JR XP662 6-channel, and I'm glad I did. In my next plane(s), I'll have flaps, retracts., NAV lights, or a smoker.

The "kits" are less expensive, but because my "modeling skills" are lacking, and my need(?) for flight is so great, I wanted to get in the air as soon as I could, so building a "kit" was not a good idea for me. I wouldn't want to spend the time building it so that I could go crash it and have to start all over. Since I bought an ARF, I'll have an idea of what it's "suppose to look like" when I have to rebuild it... which by the way, I need to do.

Don't forget you'll need something to mix the stuff, and unless you want to have alot of mom or dads' jars or bowls ruined, you'll need to get "Mixing Sticks" and "Epoxy Mixing Cups" by Great Planes or somebody... (sticks are $1.79 and cups are $3.49).

Like I said, it's alot of little "nickle and dime" things that will raise the price beyond your estimated budget", but will make the experience more pleasant and enjoyable, not to mention easier.

PaPa, please list the "tools" you have on your list as needed, (and fuel?) for $30. If you build a kit, you'll probably also need "T-pins" which are only $2.59, but that would bring it up to $32.59.
And propellers don't come ballanced, so unless you have an extra $90 for another bearing(ed) engine, you better spend another $25 for that. Which would bring your $30 up to $57.59. And the list goes on... you see a better way to route a pushrod, so your may need another "servo arm", that's only $2.50... which brings your $30 up to $60.09. Oh, longer allen wrenches - it's easier to tighten those quick connectors, now it's up another $5.99 (at least).

The "kits" aren't really "kits", they're ONLY the wood needed to build the plane, you'll still need an engine mount (or two, if you blow it), you'll need replacement Power-Panel 14-gauge wire and a soldering gun (if you let the battery terminals touch, like I did.), you'll need pushrods, horns, bell cranks(?), aileron rods, clevises', CA hinges... maybe you shouldn't build a "kit", but rather an ARF, those will cost a little more, but they come with a little more.

Even RTFs will cost more, you still need a field kit and extras.

Don't forget the little inexpensive tool to make those nice little "Z-bends" needed in the pushrods. That's only another $15.95!

Okay, that's all, your done, it's in the air.

More fuel, more glo-plugs, more glues, more balsa... more more more. It's worth it though, just expect it.

MikeL.,

No, I wasn't implying that at all. And no, if you live in Canada (aye?), the AMA would be pointless.
But if in Canada you NEED insurance, then he'll have to plan on that, if not, a big open feild would do just as well - just don't hit anybody or anything, or someone will be in a lot of trouble.