Opened up the Alpha tonight and plugged the charger into the transmitter and receiver. Read the books a couple of times. We'll get her "built" tomorrow. This looks too easy to put together.

Played around with the included simulator on the Windows laptop for a little while but couldn't get it to work correctly. Had to use an IO Gear Serial to USB adapter I had laying around since the included cable is DB9. Not sure if it is suitable for the application but the software does see the radio and the controls sort of work some of the time. Read afterwards that I should have turned the transmitter on, but it appeared to somewhat work with it off. Not sure if it is the USB adapter, uncharged battery, or user error at this point. Will try again tomorrow night. (maybe)

Stopped by Mid South hobbies on the way home and picked up a gallon of fuel, a hand pump, rubberbands, and some fuel tubing.

Looked at a Hobbico TorqMaster 90 starter and that battery pack that attaches directly to it. Looked cheap (especially the plastic box that contains the battery) so I didn't buy it. The had a total of 1 type of glow ignitor which I didn't like either. MSH isn't bad, but I can't say I am crazy about the place.

Finally, debated about taking the bolt-on wing route but decided to stick with the rubberband method. A hundred or so messages here confirm that decision, but the bolt on looks a lot cooler.

Still hoping to fly Saturday morning.

Thanks to everyone for the advice and feedback.