I just recently aquired my first pattern type model. I've been flying for a few years ( off and on since 1959 ) I find that most " sport " kits and ARF
models are just not ( in my opinion) up to snuff. My expectations of models may be different than most, consequently, I design and build pretty much 100 percent of my models. I fly a lot of scale models...a couple 3D models and now am going to try pattern.
The biggest problem has been finding someone who hasn't made the decision for me that electric does not have enough power, and that even if it did, it would be horribly expensive. The fact is..e power is powerful enough, and is not expensive. it's not better, and I'm not on a crusade to prove it is.
I purchased a Venus as a starter model, and will fly it this season to see if I enjoy this type of flying, and then likely draw up plans and scratch one around a " 90 " size. I have come to the opinion that in the part of the country I live in, pattern fliers generally are not too receptive to new people getting into their " club" , and are not very forthcoming with information. Could this be a possible reason that there aren't very many entrants at most pattern contests? My Venus weighs 5 pounds, and I swing a 15X10 prop at a maximum of 7500rpm. it is or seems to be a little pitch sensitive, and is balanced at the recommended spot. I'm wondering if this is the nature of the beast. I should have discovered this forum a long time ago. It looks like information flows freely back and forth with no built in predjudices about power systems. just information on flying characteristics of various models. I must say that The Venus is the best flying ARF I have had opportunity to fly.....so far, and will be one of the models flown at the Chilliwack fly in this May.