I'll agree with on the former part of your statement the latter about under doing eludes me???

If the purpose is to figure out the minimum item Necessary to fly what is under doing.

Even with you basic list there is still $109 of items that may make things easier are not Essential!!!

Sullivan starter - $49
Dubro Kwik-Klip w/charger - $20
G.P. Master Caddy - $40


Is telling a 15 year old to get a glow plug clip,1.5 volt dry cell and chicken stick UNDERDOING IT??

how about instead of a 40 dollar field box you goto walmarts and get a plastic toolbox I got four on sale for 6.00 each. Lets face it when you're just starting out you don't have much to carry.

Also many people mentioned that when he gets to the field lots of help will be waiting.

I just think as adults or buying behavior and rationale is different. We're thinking long term invest here kids think in whats it gonna cost to do this NOW!! Look at the title of his post nobody can tell him with 100% accuracy EXACTLY what its going to cost. Those of us that have been doing it can't even agree