I just thought I'd post a message for anyone looking to get started and hasn't bought anything yet.
This is a list of what I think you'll want/need to buy to get a proper, enjoyable experience out of RC flying.
This is strictly my OPINION based on what I started with.
I wasted a little money upgrading to these things and wish I had just bought them in the first place.
One of the complete packages seems to be the best way to go. We'll use the Nexstar for now. Seems to be the hot ticket right now.

Nexstar About $425.00
1 gallon of fuel $15.00
Starter with attached rechargable battery. about $70.00
twist loc rechargable glow starter about $25.00
hand crank fuel pump $15.00
small fuel bulb (for priming etc) $8.00
10 FT. of fuel tubing (for the hand pump)(supplied tubing usually falls short of desirable)$5.00
at least 1 extra prop (not all landings are great) $4.00
$567.00 + shipping
I'll just say that $600.00 would get you everything you need.

As I said this is just what I'd buy if I was getting started today.
I like the all in one starters and glow drivers for convenience. (that's part of the enjoying the hobby factor)
If you buy the plug in kind and have to buy a field box/ battery/ power panel etc. you'll spend the same amount anyways.
Most of the tools you will need you probably already have in your garage somewhere so I didn't add them in.

Is that nexstar your airplane, if so where is you tranny??
I spend about 600 too, but that included a MPX cockpit MM, which is about 300

I'd just like to re-title this to "What you will eventually Need".

For example, if a newbie came to my field I would tell him to bring a trainer, and fuel. I'll be happy to supply the rest at first.

Also, things like an electric starter w/ battery may be a necessity to some, but I think they are more of a luxury item. Yes, there may be a time when you need one, but who is going to deny you the use of theirs if you can't start it with your chicken stick?

I try not to scare new people off with the cost of things. You guys make it sound like you'd better spend $600 before you come out to the field, or you'll come up short. Not so.

Buy the stuff you NEED. Let Santa bring the rest! (Or the Easter Bunny/Tooth Fairy/Etc.)

$600 is definitely on the high side to get started. I usually recommend $400 to $450, including a 40 size ARF trainer, engine, 4 channel radio gear, and field equipment. (Including self contained starter and glow igniter.)

Trainer ARF = $100
Good engine = $90
Radio Equip. = $120
Starter = $70
Pump = $15
Glow Igniter = $25
10% Fuel = $15
Misc. = $15

Total $450

BUT! You can get a used trainer, often with engine and radio for $150 to $200, or the newer RTF's are going for $250 on sale (with engine and radio).

Heck, last week at a local auction I bought a used 25 Size Right Flyer (trainer), with an OS25 engine, all servos, battery pack and a 6 channel Futaba radio for $60! It's in pretty good shape, some scuffed up covering, but no real damage, and the batteries were all charged ready to go.

I'll fly it a couple times, use it for demo flights when kids show up at the field, and eventually sell it to one of them for what I paid. Can't beat the smiles that will bring with a stick!
Dennis-

And just think. About twenty years ago (before ARF'S) you had to decide on more then that. What kit you where going to buy, glue, fuel tank, wheels, engine, radio, covering, iron on or traditional dope finish. Plus a few more items, depending on what you built.
You guys got it way easy these days. And way cheaper.
Good luck and have fun !!! [&:]