NOTE: THE RC WACO CAN BE FOUND ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
The Waco biplane dates
back to the golden years of aviation. The company started producing
them in 1919. It closed its doors in 1939.
In an effort to increase sales by providing additional passenger
comfort, Waco started producing aircraft with enclosed cabins in 1931.
The first cabin biplanes
used existing aircraft parts and mated them to a new airframe.
The
series proved somewhat successful with sales to the general aviation
population and smaller commercial airlines.
Through the years, Waco improved upon their original models by modifying
their landing gear to provide additional strength and cushion landings.
Larger aircraft with more reliable and more powerful engines were
introduced.
Some Waco biplanes found their way into the hands of bush pilots who
equipped them with skis or pontoons and water rudders. The rugged
aircraft
proved equally at home operating from snow or water as they did from
runways.
The moment the starter turns over the radial engine of the Waco, you are
treated to a distinct rumbling sound that is music to the ears of
classic aircraft enthusiasts.
As is typical in tail draggers of its type, visibility over the front of
the fuselage is limited. If you are tall enough, you can sit upright
towards the front edge of the seat for a bit of a forward view.
What you do not expect is what happens when you advance the throttle.
Rather than the roar of an engine at full power, the sound entering the
cabin barely denotes its higher rpm's. Neither does the aircraft's
acceleration, that is very gentle.
However, it doesn't take much air over the wings of the Waco to have it
lift gently off of the runway. The sensation can best be described as
gliding into the air, more than rotating.
Your next surprise, while flying the Waco, is the feel of its controls.
They do not betray the vintage of the aircraft. Although the elevator
and aileron feel is not as light as today's aircraft,
they are far from heavy, and produce quick attitude responses.
The rudder has good authority with minimal pedal movement. A slight
amount of pressure is all that is needed to control the aircraft.
Cruise speed for an aircraft with such a bulky airframe is a reasonable
115 mph. Gradually reducing throttle and pulling back on the stick will
produce more of a mush than a stall, even down to about 50 mph.
A comfortable landing approach speed is about 60 mph. The tail wheel
will remain off of the ground a surprisingly long time after the main
gear of the Waco are on the runway, even at very slow speeds.
However, the rudder will retain its authority until the
wheel is down.
Once the aircraft settles with the tail wheel on the runway, you are
challenged once again to see over its nose.
Flying the Waco is a terrific feeling that just doesn't present itself
in the modern aircraft of today. Not only is it a one of a kind
experience, it is a pleasure long to be remembered.
Approximately 135 Waco standard cabin biplanes were produced, of which a
hand full continue to fly to date.
recreation
one pilot
Jacobs radial
225 hp
26' 6"
34' 7"
2,075 lbs.
3,475 lbs.
3 or 4
115 mph
142 mph
800 fpm
14,000 feet
500 miles
2/20/35
RC Waco
Easy Built Models rc Waco.
RC Waco
You should be able to find just the right rc Waco that best suites your taste.
Pictured above is the Easy Built Models rc Waco from their kit. Its wingspan is 52" with construction from balsa and ply. A
Speed 600 size motor or from .15 to .29 2C engines can power the scale model. It weighs about 4 1/2 lbs.
The first picture below is of the rc Waco for sale from Sig Mfg. Its wingspan is 69 1/2" and length is 55". A .75 to .90 two cycle or .90 to 1.20 four cycle engine is required for power. Weight is around 10 lbs.
Peter Rake has plans for sale of a rc Waco. It has a wingspan of 38" with a weight of about 1 1/2 lbs. Speed 400 type motors can power it.
The next picture below is a rc Waco kit for sale from Kit Cutters. The kit is made from Morgan / Novak plans. Wingspan is 69 1/2". Engines can be from .60 to .80. Waco rc plans are for sale separately from Kit Cutters.
Pictured on the bottom of this page is another rc Waco from a kit. This one is for sale by Manzano Laser Works. The kit was made from Peter Rake plans. Wingspan is 38" and length is 31". It can be powered with a geared Speed 400 type motor.
Plans are available separately.
RC Universe shows a rc Waco for sale from Sportsman Aviation. Its wingspan is 58" and length is 45". Power comes from a .60 to .89 engine. Weight is approximately 7 1/2 lbs.
Hobby Lobby has a rc Waco for sale. Its wingspan is 50", length is 37", and weight is 2 3/4 lbs. It needs a 1035 kV motor.
There is also a giant 1/4 scale rc Waco for sale by Hobby Lobby. It has a wingspan of 100" and a length of 74". Construction is all light ply. You can power it with either a electric motor or a gas engine. Weight is around 21 lbs.
You can find plans for a 1/4 scale rc Waco from Mammoth Scale Plans. Its wingspan is 99" and length is 73". Weight is about 28 lbs.
If you are looking for a small rc Waco, Bradak makes a c/l kit that should make an easy rc conversion. Wingspan is 22.5" and length is 17". Power can come from a .049 engine.
Check out the AMA Plans service for a number of rc Waco plans. There is a 70" wingspan Waco rc from Dario Brisighella. It is plan no. 50153.
Next AMA plan is a 52" wingspan rc Waco with the number 12266. There is a 29" wingspan rc Waco plan no. 12671.
The AMA has plans for a 46" wingspan rc Waco designed by Don Srull. Plan no. is 26691.
You can find Berkely plans through the AMA for a 52" wingspan rc Waco. Plan no. 22457.
The AMA Plans Service has Jim Kosteckz plans for a 35" wingspan rc Waco.
There are Sterling plans available through the AMA for a rc Waco with a wingspan of 56 1/2" under plan no. 17108.
AMA Plan no. 29568 is for a rc Waco with a 33" wingspan.
Waco biplane
