The tip i would give here is this. every goto the AMA site and get the pdf for the scale rules. they give you the required maneuvers and info for figuring out your maneuvers of choice. Then sit down and figure out how the full size plane flew and what it could do then take that and practice it every time you at the field. this will get you so you can do the maneuvers automatically without thinking. then enter some of the scale meets like stated above as novice and get ya something to fly so you get the experience and used to flying in a crowd. Remember you can always go up in class but never down so start as low as possible. meanwhile build the one you want to try for the masters with take 1 or 2 or 3 yrs to build it. in the meantime you are building competition skills. this way you wont rush to get the plane done and can add millions of details so you can make it the most scale thing you can think of. if it has a bug splat on the windshield in one of your pics and you want to add it do it. if its bird feathers in the front do it just take your time and add anything you can and want to make it look like a real plane sitting there. On the otherhand like with weathering too much can be bad too. but basically get used to competing at what i would call a junior level and when you are comfortable and planes ready hit the next level which would be expert class to be able to qualify for masters. also hit the AMA nats thats a great place to get a feel for what its like with more people there and slightly increased pressure on you.

These are only suggestions and each person is different but this would be a good way to prepare yourself so that you will enjoy it more.

Joe