McFly,

You would only need a top of the range type performance if you were in the upper classes where there are manouvers that require more power. A top of the range plane is still optional at this stage (you can buy bulky, modern looking planes for very reasonably prices these days). You wont need all the power for the lower classes. In fact having a lower powered plane will almost certainly help you as you wont have to worry about fine throttle management so much. Judges when judging lower classes will also pay less attention to how you and your model presents and will focus on how accurate you fly it so i really wouldnt worry about not having top notch equipment just yet.

Its a common misconception that you need to spent £1000's just to do schedules. This couldn't be further from the truth. My point above was that pattern flying is no more expensive than 3D.

Angus

ps are you coming to the first comp in Hamilton on Sun 27th March?