RE: Downwind Turns!!
Downwind loops, too. Watched a fellow do a figure "9" into the ground with a first flight lightly powered (aka "scale powered") Tiger Moth when he tried to repeat a loop but downwind instead of upwind. It certainly makes a difference.
The problem with a downwind turn is that it is often the first one after take-off and the model is still climbing and not at a good flying speed yet. You need sufficient height and/or airspeed before that first turn.