Buying Parts for the FliteTest NutBall Swappable - a little at a time - Stage #1

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I have a friend who wants to know which parts to purchase for the FliteTest Nutball (http://flitetest.com/articles/nutball_scratch_build), as his very first plane.  He owns absolutely no RC vehicles or components whatsoever, so this truly is his "beginner plane setup."  Several months ago I started helping him build it.  However, due to budget constraints, he has never gone through with the build to finish it up.  So, I am going to split up the electronics/extra components he needs into several low-cost (~$30 each) "stages" in order to see if he can do it this way---a little at a time.  Let's see how this goes....

This is the $35 (-ish) Stage #1 (of approximately 4 total):  I'll try to put the parts roughly into a recommended purchase order, according to what is needed first to complete the plane.

What he already has:

1. two $1 sheets of 20"x30" foamboard from the Dollar Tree.
2. 1/8" plywood sheet (maybe 8"x10") from the Hobby Lobby balsa sheet rack in the back of the store ($1.79 last I checked I believe)
3. $1 roll of cheapo clear packing tape from the Dollar Tree
4. $1~$2 pack of 100 shish-ka-bob (bamboo) skewers from Walmart (in the BBQ section of the Garden Center) or wherever
5. Jumbo popsickle (craft) sticks at Walmart - pack of like 100 for a couple bucks - to be used to make the 2 control horns

Ok: Stage #1 - buy this week

1. "Music Wire" (0.047 in. [1.19 mm] diam. From local hobbyshop) (sizes as small as 0.032 in. [0.81 mm] also work, but the 0.047 in. is better). Cost: $2.29 for a pack of 4 long (36" maybe) rods. - will be used for the two control rods.
2. Scotch Strapping tape (has fiberglass strands running down it) from Walmart or wherever, ~$3
3. HobbyKing order:
1. motor: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=12916&aff=281904, $8
2. HXT900 9g servos x 3 (1 for a spare), $2.70 each: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=662&aff=281904 
3. XT60 connectors x 1 pack, ~$3.50, http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=9572&aff=281904
4. Shipping: ~$6
5. TOTAL PRICE WITH SHIPPING:  ~$26.
4. Stage 1 total:  ~$31.50