RE: new to pattern
thats weird Luke, I did exactly the same thing.
The Ripmax Gambler was my second plane and I flew it to death, I taught myself slow rolls, rolling circles, etc etc. Unfortunately the front end got so fuel soaked that I retired it. A great flying model, shame that they dont make them anymore.
I'm more into scale aerobatics, but would love a pattern plane too. Maybe a Zen 90.....