This hobby has never been less expensive. My first radio cost about $350 in 1970. In todays money that would have been over $2000 for a simple 4 channel system with no reversing and rather poor performance by todays standards. I saved for several years as a high school kid to buy it, along with the engine and airplane kit. It took several months to build the airplane, and several weeks to cover and finish it with silk and dope. It takes no money or commitment to get into RC today.