Kat, one of the big differences between a pattern and a 3D is the length/width ratio. A pattern plane is usually = or a slight bit longer thatn wing span. 3D are usually shorter in length by a good bit than the wing span. Also a Pattern wing usually has a thinner wing than the 3D planes. This results in a much faster flying plane. Besides, the just look better.

At your point of flying, I would suggest that you not worry much about what the plane looks like, but how it flys.

My second plane was not much to look at, but it was a great flyer. Wing off the trainer I crashed, as well as the tail. The fuselage was home designed. I added 2 inches from the leading edge to the prop, and 1 1/2 inches frome the TE to the hinge line of the elevator. Same tail feathers as the trainer, same wing. and same motor. It was a quantum leap in flying fun though. No more flipping on it back when taxiing out to take off if the wind was up. All and all a very good flying plane.

After the trip into the fence, I built a new wing using a scalled down 4*60 wing. Even better. I finally really totaled out the plane and engine. I am serioulsy considering building a third as 1. it is a really fast build, and 2. it is a really fun plane to fly. You might consider someting like this. You can build one from scratch in a week. It is really tough in the fuselage, so your electronics usually survive a bad crash. It doesn't cost much to build. In fact, if I do build another, I think I'll do two or even three next time. Building out here means time away from the field, year round. If I go into a building frenzy, I like to make it count.

Don