I understand what you are talking about. Sometime the BONDING part is what your after, not the project. But like Panda said the companies you listed are not the best. You could do the same thing with Losi, AE, Sworks etc. and have a lot better working RC. Many of times you will see other parts on a differnet brand RCs. Good luck with your project and just have fun with it.

PS: Look on Ebay there is many rc chopshops selling stuff for cheap.