one of the problems ( for me antway) is that since no one at our field has the slightest interest in pattern flying, I can only get information by travelling quite a few miles ( km here in Canada) to a field where there may be a pattern type flying. I have to get answers from people I have never met before. When asked what model I fly and I reply an electric what ever, the stock answer is...don't waste your time, it won't work....Or I'm told come to a competition and enter, you'll find out real fast what you need. Just the advice a newbie needs...come alone to a contest where you basically know no one, bring your model ( which by the way won't be adequate) , enter, and we'll try really hard not to laugh at you .
No thanks........

I make my pitiful efforts at doing the " routine" at my home field ( which by the way is my back yard) and am just stubborn enough to get it done hopefully well enough that I am confident enough to attend a " competition" just because .....

I must say though that we had a Pattern primer at my place last month, and the guys who donated their time were very helpful...... and encouraging enough that I will attend the next contest, maybe not to compete, but hopefully I can learn from it. ....and finally I know one or two of the fellows names now, so hopefully I won't be totally on my own.