Hi Medic-

Here's a resource with info about the costs of glow to electric conversions.

[link=http://www.hobby-lobby.com/glow2econ.htm]Hobby Lobby's Glow Airplanes Converted To Electric[/link]

Hobby Lobby lists approximately 60 glow planes along with the gear they used to convert them to electric.

As for the advantages of e-flight, we're talking mainly about cleanliness, quiet, and simplicity at the flying field. You don't need an engine starter, glow starter, fuel pump, etc. There is no motor adjustment required. Basically, you pull the plane from the car, assemble if necessary, turn on your transmitter, plug in the battery, and fly. You can be in the air within a couple of minutes of arrival. At the conclusion of the day's flying, you unplug the battery and put the plane away -- no cleanup required.

On the other hand, e-flight is by no means something for nothing. You need a proper battery charger, a couple of spare battery packs (so you can keep flying while a pack is charging), a wattmeter to check your power system, and enough knowledge that you don't fry an expensive component. For example, too large a prop can cause your motor, battery, or ESC (electronic speed controller) to overheat and be damaged or destroyed. So your power system components need to be properly matched.

- Jeff