i use a hangar 9 hand crank, and havent had any trouble with it. when i used it for gas, it got a little tight, but it still works. Im a broke student, so i still use the chicken stick. really hope that santa will get me an electric one! i read an article where someone made a stand to hold the starter and it was engaged by pushing the model against it. i really want to build one, cause it always makes me a bit nervous being in front of or beside a spinning prop.