I'm an ex instructor for R/C flying. Over the years I have developed a loathing for running out of battery power for starting engines, whether for the starter or the glow igniter. Consequently, my field box contains a very hefty battery for field support duties. Even so, I charge it weekly and keep it on float with a motorcycle charger. Anyone bringing equipment to the field without charging their batteries is in for a good lecture from me.

I use my oversized field box battery to power an electric starter, fuel pump, power panel and a fast field charger. With that, I am ready to fly at a moment's notice without having to specially charge my R/C system seperately at home. This allows me to take whichever model strikes my fancy. I'm not limited to the model that I remembered to charge the night before. I've been charging my radios on the way to field for well over a decade now with no problems. Yes, it can limit your selection of battery types. Nicads serve me the best.

With all of that said, you don't need a heat gun at the field, even in cold weather. The glow plug in the engine is quite capable of providing enough heat to warm up the engine sufficiently to start, even on the coldest days, IF you have a large enough battery in your field box.

I am one of the few that also still uses a power panel. This lets me adjust the current to the glow plug, which prevents me from burning out glow plugs while in the process of heating up the engine in prestart mode. Life does not have to be complicated.

Yes, there are other successful methodologies. This just happens to be the one that suits me best.