I agree totally that this hobby being expensive or not depends on what you want out of the hobby and what your financial situation is. If you are happy just buzzing around with a little electric plane (3 channel trainer not bashing electrics here!!) you can be flying for less than $200.00. If not then at our hobby shop in saskatoon you can get a nexstar ultimate combo which includes the field box, fuel, starter, power panel, glow driver, battery etc etc for under 650.00. I have had 2 diff. people give me R/C plane equipment and stuff just to help me out. It's not that i couldn't afford it , it was more along the lines that they were very generous people and wanted to see another person join the hobby. Here is another suggestion. If you are a young kid and are looking to get into the hobby. head out to the local field and offer to do the mowing in exchange for a trainer and fees. There are so many different ways to approach the hobby that all you need is a little creativity. Spads are another way to.

Geoff