I'm looking for a good second plane my first really isn't any different then a stick, (i kinda skipped the trainer part) no dihedral, tremendous throw, and unlimited power. Not really sure what it is, it was from an older kit called a "hotdogger" and I have no idea who made it. I'm looking for something that is about $100-$150 preferably in the 40 size but doesn't really matter. I want something for pattern/3d, yes I know two completly different areas but I like both. I'm really wanting to lean towards the pattern side so I'd like something that leans more towards pattern. Any help would be appreciated.

I'd really like something like this;
http://ecsvr.com/abm/shopexd.asp?id=2330
is this to much? I've really been practicing alot and am pretty efficient with the one that I have. I'd seen suggestions on here to practice flying laps inverted and can pretty much do that all day.

Thanks,
Orange

Orange Poke,
I've compilied a list of beginning and second planes. You can find that list here:
[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm]Looking for a trainer, what's available. (Updated 8-14-06)[/link]

While it doesn't have all the possibilities for a second plane, it might give you some ideas.

Ken

Not that I'm not listening to you Ken, (i'm very green to all of this and gladly except info from the more experienced) but minus the fact that some are low wings there really isn't a difference in that of my first plane. I guess I'm looking for a more traditional "3rd" plane.

U-can-Do are a good choice, several people at my club fly them and they can do almost anything.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXDUL8&P=0

The Phoenix Seabee is a ridiculously good airframe for $99.99 at Tower Hobbies:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGTS5&P=7

Other notables that are similar but slightly more pricey are the Great Planes Venus 40:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXBMZ5&P=ML

...and the Model Tech Excelleron 50 available from Hobby People, which is on sale for $129.99 right now:

http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/127564.asp

Pattern planes are a great choice for a "third aircraft" and the perfect stepping stone before jumping into scale aerobatic planes or warbirds. Hope some of these suggestions are of interest to you. Happy shopping.

Great Planes U-CAN-DO 3D. Great airplane for learning 3D and honing your flying skills. Very forgiving and easy to fly. God only knows how many have been sold, so they are doing something right.

Regards,
doubledee

Great planes Venus .40 - had it as my second plane no problem at all, flies great pattern for its size but not really a 3d plane.

Also CA models epsilon comes in .40 to 1.20 size. Haven't seen one myself but all reports say its a great pattern/3D ship.