HI All, Very interesting thread,

If you want pattern + 3D on a .46 platform, the Hobby People Global Freestyle can do it all! I've had this plane for a winter fun plane, with Irine .53, and it has unlimted power. It rolls on a string and can 3-D very well - total cost Plane + engine = $300, using standard servos.

If you look at the different ways to send $$ and be competitive in a sport, pattern is one of the less expensive routes these days. The digital servos make any plane a better flying plane, and you need them from a .60 sized - 2m bird, same requirement. OS 160 on muffler pressure, $259, can use 10 or 15% fuel. Hardware, no one argues the ball bearing stuff is he best. However, many others, including myself have used the Sullivan 4-40 metal clevis with great success (now in Masters class). 2 Meter plane: Focus or Zimpro Marketing planes put you in the $590-$725 range for an ARC or ARF. Radios: in my opinion (I'm a field rep for Futaba), is that the Futaba 9C transmitter gives you the most capability for the least cost. However, some have mentioned that they don't like the feel of it compared to the 9WC or 10SX.

Bottom line: Yes it is expensive (...but I consder everything expensive!). However, "typically" your pattern plane will last hundeds - "thousands" of flights, if you maintain it well and fly it responsibly.

Jim Woodward
Field Rep, Team Futaba