All I have to say is: EBay.
I got my entire setup off EBay a few months back:

Shuttle Challenge w/ OS32
JR XP652 Radio w/ Servos and RX
Telee Bee Heading Hold Gyro (not the best, but good enough)
A few glow plugs...

I only paid $400 for all this - and it was all Brand NEW, you could still smell the newness on the electronics.

The only other things I needed to buy was:
12v Stater w/ Battery - $50 total
Glow Ignighter $15,
Fuel for $13.50.
A grand total of $478.50 - Ready to Fly.

Just keep checking on EBay - there are Awsome deals every now and then.

Ernie