There have been a number of 'artistic aerobatic/3D/FAI' hybrid ARFs that convert easily into decent pattern practice models, or introduction to pattern without the expensive pedigree. I regard the Showtime as probably the best Ive seen in this category. The Venus 40 size was another. You'd think the big Venus II ought to be as well, but for some reason the Venus II's I've seen have not dazzled me the way the Showtime has. Probably more a matter of sub-optimal set-ups or pilot skill than shortcomings in the design of the model.

The fundamental trick to converting any of these for pattern is to reduce the throws on ailerons & elevators to a minimum, shortest distance from hub to connector on servos (using wheels, not arms) + longest distance from hinge line to connector on control horns. People who haven't tried this are usually very surprised to see how tight a loop you can pull with 10 degree elevator deflection.

But tight loops is not what we're after in pattern. Big loops that take maybe eight or ten seconds to complete give you more time to see what's happening and react to it with corrective inputs to keep it on track, circular rather than elliptical or other common errors.