Hello MiniCG
You ask about how much for the combo I mentioned in the thread. LT-25 and a .40 LA. Here are two URL's for the items at Tower.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXFG17&P=7

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXBY18&P=7

As for fuel or electric..... sound is part of my preference! (my other 3 planes have 4 strokes)

There have been several posts since I started the thread. I posted this because the .40 LA engine and the Sig LT-25 are inexpensive. You will have to remember..... that this plane will have to be covered. That means buying equipment for that task. Covering came easy for me and I enjoy it. Most hate covering. This trainer is also a tail dragger. Some say it is easier to learn with a trike. (steerable wheel up front).I may have been an oddball here too. I took to the taildragger better than the nose wheel planes. Remember....... a LOT of the cool looking planes people want next are tail draggers. You would have to re-learn slightly when switching later.
There are a LOT of good ARF's out there, and unless you WANT to build, (as I stated in my original post), they may be the best choice.
Good luck.... lownslo...