Hi, I'm a scratch-builder and I am looking around for ideas for future projects. I've seen plans for old designs like the Kaos and Mach1 from RCM and/or MAN. Those might be beyond my skills to fly yet. I don't want to get too fancy with composites or foam either, but I was wondering what you guys might recomend as a first patern plane to build and fly?

You didn't mention your pilot experience and size of airplane so here is what I know:
There was a nice 2m pattern plane in the May 2003 RCM called L'essence. It is mostly wood even for the wings I believe. It was designed for a gas motor put it could probably be adapted to glow with some reinforcements.
There was also a few years back 2 versions of the "Loaded Dice" published in RCM. This was for a 60-90 size motor.
Many pattern pilot have learned on the various 60-90 size designs from Jo Bridi like the XLT and Escape: http://www.happyhobby.com/hobb_html/bridi.htm
The many designs from Dick Hanson (Elan, EMC2, Dalotel) have been popular also.
Gator RC has a few models available that fly really well. (Giles 202gt, Fascination, Typhoon) http://www.gatorrc.com/
Bryan Hebert has a few very nice current planes also and I beleive plans are available. http://www.hebertcompetitiondesigns.com/

There are a few very good pattern builder in the Toronto area if you need help.

Xavier
http://pattern-canada.mouraux.com

You might want to consider one of the Boxer series (.60, .90, 1.20)
--Derek

You may want to look at this thread on pattern plans...

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/List...2600745/tm.htm

Since you mentioned you are not sure about your flying skills, let me add this. Pattern ships are honest and easy flyers and can be handled as a third airplane if the second airplane was a good aerobatic design and the pilot competent and disciplined. You do not have to fly it into strange attitudes right away. The more modern designs are slower and even easier than the older designs you mentioned seeing in MAN, but those are good choices for fast pattern fun. Also, in MAN, there is the plan of Wolfgang Matt's Arrow. Its a late 70's design, fast, but with some interesting building ideas. A fun build too. The exhaust tuned pipe runs down the back and then is routed through the fuselage to exit behind the wing under the belly. This was meant to keep the exhaust from affecting the rudder. Its a neat airplane and another for your consideration...a fun scratch build. And think about it...start now and practice flying while the pattern bird is building. You will be ready.

Mark