The pattern forums on RCU are quite active and useful. Like most things, you can make of pattern what you wantit to be. At the low end, you can have a capablemodel that you could fly either to hone your skills or begin competing with forless than$1000 for airframe, motor and speed controller, or you could be at the high end with a "full size" 2 meter model for around $1500 on up.Receiver, servos, batteries arenot included inthosefigures.Check the F3A Unlimited website at http://www.f3aunlimited.com/webstore/, one of the most complete 1 stop Pattern model and accesories websites that there is and you will see plenty of options for a modern day pattern ship. Pattern models are mostly electric powered these days, but it is still possible to field a glow or gas powered model.

An example of a "low end" priced, yet very capable pattern ARF is the BJ Craft Monolog 70 ARF with with Hacker A50-12S motor and Castle Creations ICE 100 controller. F3A Unlimited currently has a special for $467.95 for the combo deal. That is hard to beat. More info about Pattern flying is available at www.NSRCA.us, the official website of the AMA SIG for RC Aerobatics, AKA "Pattern".