As for using parts from the crashed alpha, I have considered it. The engine is broken. A couple pieces, I believe one of the needle valves and some other little piece, are broken off. I have those pieces, as they remained attached to the plane via the fuel hoses during the crash. I considered epoxying the engine back together, but I decided it was unlikely to stand the heat and vibration. Also the air intake was filled with dirt.

As for the radio, it may have been the cause of the previous crash, so I am hesitant to use it again. I believe the receiver battery died in flight. I had charged it overnight, but it was an ancient NiCad battery. (The whole plane was at least 5 years old, given to me by a relative). I was just cruising along in level flight when suddenly it went into a tight spiral dive, and stopped responding to inputs. And the transmitter battery would only last 20 or 30 minutes. So both batteries would have to be replaced, and the engine is probably questionable. Besides, I need a dsm2 transmitter for a PZ sukhoi I have reserved anyway.

I have looked at the nexstar, it looks like a great plane, but too expensive (>$400 rtf). I really like the nexstar EP as an alternative to the E flite apprentice, but it is even more expensive. It is at least $399 most places, plus the cost of a huge Lipo battery and charger, probably > $500 altogether.

The electristar was a much better deal. I wish they still made them. $199 plus battery and charger compared to $399 plus battery and charger for the nexstar EP. Obviously they had to quit making them to sell any nexstar EPs. I looked on ebay for one but all they had was a few spare parts. By the way, if anyone has one of these used, ideally with batteries and charger, at a reasonable price, I would be very interested.

The nexstars and electristar do not have dsm2 radios, which would be nice as well. It seems like the alpha is the only 40 trainer with a digital radio.

Considering a second plane would be nice too, but they don't seem to make many of them rtf, so I would have to use the old equipment to stay within budget. Although if anyone knows of a "second" (nontrainer) plane sold rtf, for under $300, ideally with digital radio, Id like to here about it.

I might give some more thought to using that old equipment though now that you mention it. I have to wait till I get back home in a couple weeks to check the exact condition of the engine/radio (Im in college now). Thats actually another reason Id like an electric, if I could find one reasonably priced, with glow 40 performance or close to it. Then I could take it back to college with me and fly it here, where glow planes are prohibited by ordinance on campus. There is a very large field area with several baseball, football, and soccer fields to fly.

Anyway, thanks for the help guys!