February 2005 41 Why Not Model... WACO YMF-5 Port side of the YMF-5. Note landing light in left lower wing panel’s LE. There are many colorful schemes for this airplane. smelling the oil and exhaust is the tonic of the Golden Age of Aviation. But wind in the wires is a unique sound for biplanes; it’s music to the ears of opencockpit pilots and modelers. WACO biplanes have been favorite modeling subjects since modelers could put two sticks together. The shape, lines, and gloss of the classic paint schemes set the WACOs apart from most other biplanes. This was true in the 1930s and it’s true today. By the mid-1930s, WACO was the number-one civil or military airplane producer in the United States. The company produced a variety of designs for the civil, business, and military market. Some of the many biplane types were the standard opencockpit models, such as the WACO 7 through 10 varieties. There was also the famous WACO Taperwing series, including the ATO, CTO, and JYM designations which were sold around the world. WIND IN THE wires is a sound that has been heard in aviation since 1903. Climbing up the left side of the fuselage and carefully sliding into a fabric-and-steel-tube-covered biplane was the thrill of a lifetime for many pilots and passengers. Feeling the vibration of the radial engine just ahead of you and There are a total of 14 cowl bumps—two for each cylinder. The spinner is an option on the new WACO YMF-5. From the rear you can see the generous rudder size, the elevators, and the bracing wires. This photo was taken at Oshkosh WI in the antique aircraft area. by Stan Alexander Photos courtesy the author 42 MODEL AVIATION The UPF-7 version was put into service during World War II as a trainer. Notice the differences in its fin and rudder compared to those on the YMF-5. The various fin and rudder shapes on the different WACO designs are easy to see. There are plenty of existing subjects on which to base a model. However, the company didn’t limit itself to biplanes, such as the WACO Model 10 or the much later AVN-8 model with tricycle gear, as many people may think. In 1930, WACO started producing an airplane that would eventually lead to a type used in World War II: the military assault glider. These weren’t biplane gliders, but simple singleplace trainers. During World War II, the WACO troop gliders carried Allied forces into battle on DDay. WACO or a company building the gliders for it produced and delivered 95% of all glider forces. As were many aircraft, WACOs were built and constructed by several companies, including Aeronca. WACO continued to build a variety of civil and military biplanes through the end of World War II. Quite a few of them are still flying at air shows and fly-ins today. The F-model WACOs were not one particular aircraft type; they were a series of biplanes powered by the more familiar radials and the in-line Menasco engine. F-series designations included RNF, INF, MNF, QCF- 2, UPF-2, UBF-2, YMF-3, YMF-5, UMF-3, CPF-1, YPF-6, ZPF-6, VPF, ZPF-7, and UPF-7. WACO produced at least 17 different versions of this series by 1942. There were cabin F models and the more familiar threeplace biplanes. The forward cockpit was designed to hold two passengers or a student. The F designs were sold for pleasure and for work, and the military used some of them as trainers in World War II. The first WACO F models were designed to keep the leading commercial and civil manufacturer in the forefront of aviation in the US. These new aircraft included improvements over the then-current models, including the tail wheel, balanced elevators, full cockpit upholstery, Bendix brakes, storage pockets in both cockpits, and dual brake controls. But the 1930s proved to be the swan song for biplane production. The two YMF models were similar. The YMF-3 was produced in 1934, tweaked in 1935 with improvements and a larger rudder, and designated the YMF-5. It sold for $6,795 in 1935, which was expensive at the time. It was powered by the Jacobs 245-horsepower radial engine. The YMF-5 was popular with pilots and owners; it was aerobatic, inexpensive to operate, and able to land on grass or paved fields with the tail wheel. More UPF-7s were produced than any other F type. The US Army Air Force and the Navy used them for pilot training in World War II, and they were built until December 1942. I have included a side view of a UPF model for reference. This particular airframe was built on September 25, 1941, and was sold to Harte Air Service, Inc. in Wichita, Kansas. The 30-foot-wingspan beauty is currently powered by a Continental 220- horsepower radial. Notice the difference in the shape of the fin and rudder between the YMF-5 and the UPF-7. The fin on the YMF had much more area. The rear cockpit on this particular airplane appears to have been modified from the original configuration of other aircraft in the series. In 1983, several men began working to bring an idea to fruition; they were set on being the first group to produce an aircraft that hadn’t been built in 50 years under the original type certificate. They wanted to bring a childhood dream to reality. While maintaining the YMF-5’s integrity, these aeronautical engineers—some of whom had worked for Piper, Taylorcraft, and Ford— made close to 300 engineering changes. They redrew more than 1,400 drawings and built new tooling for expected production. Their efforts resulted in truly handmade aircraft, constructed one at a time. The first of the new airplanes rolled off the assembly line in March 1986 in Lansing, Michigan. The WACO YMF Super was introduced in 1991. It features more internal width— more legroom increased useful load—a balanced rudder, and a larger front entry door. The fuselage is covered with aluminum back past the front cockpit so that passengers who are not used to flying don’t punch holes in the fabric covering. The new YMF-5 has been sold around the world, including to pilots in Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, and the Caribbean. The continuation of the WACO YMF series is a testament to the type’s popularity with modelers and full-scale aviation enthusiasts. Most of the model kits of WACOs or biplanes produced in the last 30 years have been of the YMF-5. The only other Americanbuilt biplane that has been as popular is the Boeing Stearman trainer series. The YMF-5 has classic lines, a nicely rounded fuselage, and a long tail moment. Most plans producers and designers use a “half-shell” method of fuselage construction. Also, building in a fixture works well with the rounded framework. The model doesn’t have as many nasty habits as, say, Pitts biplanes or other purpose-built aerobatic biplanes, which are usually compact and short coupled. Color schemes for the YMF-5 abound, and there are several sizes to pick from if you want to build a kit. The WACO is aerobatic although it’s not a purpose-built aerobatic biplane. For a beautiful silhouette in the air with a four-stroke in the cowl, add some smoke; they sound and look great! Try a WACO and remember that real airplanes have two wings and round engines. The aircraft shown is a WACO Classic that is currently produced in Battle Creek, Michigan, under the same type license as the earlier models. It has the same classic lines as the earlier version of the wonderful WACO YMF-5. Enjoy a WACO! Fair skies and tailwinds. MA Stan Alexander 3709 Valley Ridge Dr. Nashville TN 37211 [email protected] WACO YMF-5 specifications: Wingspan: 30 feet Length: 23 feet, 35⁄8 inches Height: 8 feet, 53⁄8 inches Chord: 57 inches Airfoil: Clark Y Engine: Jacobs L-4 225-horsepower radial Top speed: 148 mph Cruising speed: 130 mph Landing speed: 47 mph Paul Matt scale three-views courtesy of Wind Canyon Books Inc. (formerly Aviation Heritage) Box 1445 Niceville FL 32588 (800) 952-7007 [email protected] www.windcanyon.com www.aviation-heritage.com WACO Organizations: WACO Field 1956 N. County Road 25A Troy OH 45373 Directions: Take I-75 to Exit 69, and then go roughly two miles north on County Road 25A toward Troy; it’s on your right. Private airport open by appointment only. For information, contact Dave Bucher at (937) 339-3345, Bob and Pat Wagner at (937) 698-3884, or Joe Balmer at (937) 335-1272. Modelers are welcome, provided they are WACO Historical Society and AMA members. Check with an official before flying in all cases. WACO Museum 105 S. Market St. (just outside Troy Square) Troy OH 45373 (937) 355-WACO (9226) WACO Historical Society Box 62 Troy OH 45373 Membership rates for an individual or family are $30 per year. The student rate is $10 Contact Bill Jackson at jackapen@ voyager.net. WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation Box 1229 Battle Creek MI 49016 [email protected] (616) 565-1000 Fax: (616) 565-1100 Books: WACO Airplanes: Ask Any Pilot the Authentic History of WACO by Ray Brandly ISBN 0960273468 213 pages Published in 1989 by Zenith Aviation Books Contains WACO history and black-and-white photos. The Famous “F” Series by Raymond Brandly ISBN 0960273417 60 pages Published in 1980 by Times Publishing Company Contains history of the complete F series of WACO aircraft, with black-and-white photos. Magazines: International WACO Association Volume 1, Number 1, spring 1990 Also available from Aviation Heritage (see preceding address) Contains three-view and article on page 5. Contact Wind Canyon Books (see preceding address) for information about the availability of WACO magazines that offer a wealth of information on these wonderful aircraft. Model Aviation I wrote the article “Classic Aircraft’s WACO,” published in the August 1994 issue on pages 25-29. It contains photos and three-views. Documentation: Bob’s Aircraft Documentation 3114 Yukon Ave. Costa Mesa CA 92626 (714) 979-8058 Fax: (714) 979-7279 Carries views of the YMF-5 and more than 14 Foto Paaks. One Paak contains the interior and instruments. Jim Pepino’s Scale Plans & Photo Service 3209 Madison Ave. Greensboro NC 27403 Tel./fax: (336) 292-5239 Carries eight photo packs and three-views. Kit source: Pica Enterprises 2657 NE 188th St. Miami FL 33180 (305) 935-1436 Fax: (305) 937-2322 Offers two WACO kits: one with a 60-inch wingspan for .60-.75 power and one with a 72-inch wingspan for a good 120 fourstroke engine. Check with your local hobby shop. Plans: Jim Pepino’s Scale Plans & Photo Service (see preceding address) Plans by Jim Pepino for a 90-inch-span model are $35 plus $6 shipping and handling for mailing tube. Several kit cutters also produce these kits. Bill Northrop’s Plans Service 2019 Doral Ct. Henderson NV 89014 (702) 896-2162 Fax: (702) 897-7775 Bill has plans for a 40-inch-span YMF-5 and .25 engine by Al Wheeler.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/02
Page Numbers: 41,42,43,44
February 2005 41 Why Not Model... WACO YMF-5 Port side of the YMF-5. Note landing light in left lower wing panel’s LE. There are many colorful schemes for this airplane. smelling the oil and exhaust is the tonic of the Golden Age of Aviation. But wind in the wires is a unique sound for biplanes; it’s music to the ears of opencockpit pilots and modelers. WACO biplanes have been favorite modeling subjects since modelers could put two sticks together. The shape, lines, and gloss of the classic paint schemes set the WACOs apart from most other biplanes. This was true in the 1930s and it’s true today. By the mid-1930s, WACO was the number-one civil or military airplane producer in the United States. The company produced a variety of designs for the civil, business, and military market. Some of the many biplane types were the standard opencockpit models, such as the WACO 7 through 10 varieties. There was also the famous WACO Taperwing series, including the ATO, CTO, and JYM designations which were sold around the world. WIND IN THE wires is a sound that has been heard in aviation since 1903. Climbing up the left side of the fuselage and carefully sliding into a fabric-and-steel-tube-covered biplane was the thrill of a lifetime for many pilots and passengers. Feeling the vibration of the radial engine just ahead of you and There are a total of 14 cowl bumps—two for each cylinder. The spinner is an option on the new WACO YMF-5. From the rear you can see the generous rudder size, the elevators, and the bracing wires. This photo was taken at Oshkosh WI in the antique aircraft area. by Stan Alexander Photos courtesy the author 42 MODEL AVIATION The UPF-7 version was put into service during World War II as a trainer. Notice the differences in its fin and rudder compared to those on the YMF-5. The various fin and rudder shapes on the different WACO designs are easy to see. There are plenty of existing subjects on which to base a model. However, the company didn’t limit itself to biplanes, such as the WACO Model 10 or the much later AVN-8 model with tricycle gear, as many people may think. In 1930, WACO started producing an airplane that would eventually lead to a type used in World War II: the military assault glider. These weren’t biplane gliders, but simple singleplace trainers. During World War II, the WACO troop gliders carried Allied forces into battle on DDay. WACO or a company building the gliders for it produced and delivered 95% of all glider forces. As were many aircraft, WACOs were built and constructed by several companies, including Aeronca. WACO continued to build a variety of civil and military biplanes through the end of World War II. Quite a few of them are still flying at air shows and fly-ins today. The F-model WACOs were not one particular aircraft type; they were a series of biplanes powered by the more familiar radials and the in-line Menasco engine. F-series designations included RNF, INF, MNF, QCF- 2, UPF-2, UBF-2, YMF-3, YMF-5, UMF-3, CPF-1, YPF-6, ZPF-6, VPF, ZPF-7, and UPF-7. WACO produced at least 17 different versions of this series by 1942. There were cabin F models and the more familiar threeplace biplanes. The forward cockpit was designed to hold two passengers or a student. The F designs were sold for pleasure and for work, and the military used some of them as trainers in World War II. The first WACO F models were designed to keep the leading commercial and civil manufacturer in the forefront of aviation in the US. These new aircraft included improvements over the then-current models, including the tail wheel, balanced elevators, full cockpit upholstery, Bendix brakes, storage pockets in both cockpits, and dual brake controls. But the 1930s proved to be the swan song for biplane production. The two YMF models were similar. The YMF-3 was produced in 1934, tweaked in 1935 with improvements and a larger rudder, and designated the YMF-5. It sold for $6,795 in 1935, which was expensive at the time. It was powered by the Jacobs 245-horsepower radial engine. The YMF-5 was popular with pilots and owners; it was aerobatic, inexpensive to operate, and able to land on grass or paved fields with the tail wheel. More UPF-7s were produced than any other F type. The US Army Air Force and the Navy used them for pilot training in World War II, and they were built until December 1942. I have included a side view of a UPF model for reference. This particular airframe was built on September 25, 1941, and was sold to Harte Air Service, Inc. in Wichita, Kansas. The 30-foot-wingspan beauty is currently powered by a Continental 220- horsepower radial. Notice the difference in the shape of the fin and rudder between the YMF-5 and the UPF-7. The fin on the YMF had much more area. The rear cockpit on this particular airplane appears to have been modified from the original configuration of other aircraft in the series. In 1983, several men began working to bring an idea to fruition; they were set on being the first group to produce an aircraft that hadn’t been built in 50 years under the original type certificate. They wanted to bring a childhood dream to reality. While maintaining the YMF-5’s integrity, these aeronautical engineers—some of whom had worked for Piper, Taylorcraft, and Ford— made close to 300 engineering changes. They redrew more than 1,400 drawings and built new tooling for expected production. Their efforts resulted in truly handmade aircraft, constructed one at a time. The first of the new airplanes rolled off the assembly line in March 1986 in Lansing, Michigan. The WACO YMF Super was introduced in 1991. It features more internal width— more legroom increased useful load—a balanced rudder, and a larger front entry door. The fuselage is covered with aluminum back past the front cockpit so that passengers who are not used to flying don’t punch holes in the fabric covering. The new YMF-5 has been sold around the world, including to pilots in Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, and the Caribbean. The continuation of the WACO YMF series is a testament to the type’s popularity with modelers and full-scale aviation enthusiasts. Most of the model kits of WACOs or biplanes produced in the last 30 years have been of the YMF-5. The only other Americanbuilt biplane that has been as popular is the Boeing Stearman trainer series. The YMF-5 has classic lines, a nicely rounded fuselage, and a long tail moment. Most plans producers and designers use a “half-shell” method of fuselage construction. Also, building in a fixture works well with the rounded framework. The model doesn’t have as many nasty habits as, say, Pitts biplanes or other purpose-built aerobatic biplanes, which are usually compact and short coupled. Color schemes for the YMF-5 abound, and there are several sizes to pick from if you want to build a kit. The WACO is aerobatic although it’s not a purpose-built aerobatic biplane. For a beautiful silhouette in the air with a four-stroke in the cowl, add some smoke; they sound and look great! Try a WACO and remember that real airplanes have two wings and round engines. The aircraft shown is a WACO Classic that is currently produced in Battle Creek, Michigan, under the same type license as the earlier models. It has the same classic lines as the earlier version of the wonderful WACO YMF-5. Enjoy a WACO! Fair skies and tailwinds. MA Stan Alexander 3709 Valley Ridge Dr. Nashville TN 37211 [email protected] WACO YMF-5 specifications: Wingspan: 30 feet Length: 23 feet, 35⁄8 inches Height: 8 feet, 53⁄8 inches Chord: 57 inches Airfoil: Clark Y Engine: Jacobs L-4 225-horsepower radial Top speed: 148 mph Cruising speed: 130 mph Landing speed: 47 mph Paul Matt scale three-views courtesy of Wind Canyon Books Inc. (formerly Aviation Heritage) Box 1445 Niceville FL 32588 (800) 952-7007 [email protected] www.windcanyon.com www.aviation-heritage.com WACO Organizations: WACO Field 1956 N. County Road 25A Troy OH 45373 Directions: Take I-75 to Exit 69, and then go roughly two miles north on County Road 25A toward Troy; it’s on your right. Private airport open by appointment only. For information, contact Dave Bucher at (937) 339-3345, Bob and Pat Wagner at (937) 698-3884, or Joe Balmer at (937) 335-1272. Modelers are welcome, provided they are WACO Historical Society and AMA members. Check with an official before flying in all cases. WACO Museum 105 S. Market St. (just outside Troy Square) Troy OH 45373 (937) 355-WACO (9226) WACO Historical Society Box 62 Troy OH 45373 Membership rates for an individual or family are $30 per year. The student rate is $10 Contact Bill Jackson at jackapen@ voyager.net. WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation Box 1229 Battle Creek MI 49016 [email protected] (616) 565-1000 Fax: (616) 565-1100 Books: WACO Airplanes: Ask Any Pilot the Authentic History of WACO by Ray Brandly ISBN 0960273468 213 pages Published in 1989 by Zenith Aviation Books Contains WACO history and black-and-white photos. The Famous “F” Series by Raymond Brandly ISBN 0960273417 60 pages Published in 1980 by Times Publishing Company Contains history of the complete F series of WACO aircraft, with black-and-white photos. Magazines: International WACO Association Volume 1, Number 1, spring 1990 Also available from Aviation Heritage (see preceding address) Contains three-view and article on page 5. Contact Wind Canyon Books (see preceding address) for information about the availability of WACO magazines that offer a wealth of information on these wonderful aircraft. Model Aviation I wrote the article “Classic Aircraft’s WACO,” published in the August 1994 issue on pages 25-29. It contains photos and three-views. Documentation: Bob’s Aircraft Documentation 3114 Yukon Ave. Costa Mesa CA 92626 (714) 979-8058 Fax: (714) 979-7279 Carries views of the YMF-5 and more than 14 Foto Paaks. One Paak contains the interior and instruments. Jim Pepino’s Scale Plans & Photo Service 3209 Madison Ave. Greensboro NC 27403 Tel./fax: (336) 292-5239 Carries eight photo packs and three-views. Kit source: Pica Enterprises 2657 NE 188th St. Miami FL 33180 (305) 935-1436 Fax: (305) 937-2322 Offers two WACO kits: one with a 60-inch wingspan for .60-.75 power and one with a 72-inch wingspan for a good 120 fourstroke engine. Check with your local hobby shop. Plans: Jim Pepino’s Scale Plans & Photo Service (see preceding address) Plans by Jim Pepino for a 90-inch-span model are $35 plus $6 shipping and handling for mailing tube. Several kit cutters also produce these kits. Bill Northrop’s Plans Service 2019 Doral Ct. Henderson NV 89014 (702) 896-2162 Fax: (702) 897-7775 Bill has plans for a 40-inch-span YMF-5 and .25 engine by Al Wheeler.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/02
Page Numbers: 41,42,43,44
February 2005 41 Why Not Model... WACO YMF-5 Port side of the YMF-5. Note landing light in left lower wing panel’s LE. There are many colorful schemes for this airplane. smelling the oil and exhaust is the tonic of the Golden Age of Aviation. But wind in the wires is a unique sound for biplanes; it’s music to the ears of opencockpit pilots and modelers. WACO biplanes have been favorite modeling subjects since modelers could put two sticks together. The shape, lines, and gloss of the classic paint schemes set the WACOs apart from most other biplanes. This was true in the 1930s and it’s true today. By the mid-1930s, WACO was the number-one civil or military airplane producer in the United States. The company produced a variety of designs for the civil, business, and military market. Some of the many biplane types were the standard opencockpit models, such as the WACO 7 through 10 varieties. There was also the famous WACO Taperwing series, including the ATO, CTO, and JYM designations which were sold around the world. WIND IN THE wires is a sound that has been heard in aviation since 1903. Climbing up the left side of the fuselage and carefully sliding into a fabric-and-steel-tube-covered biplane was the thrill of a lifetime for many pilots and passengers. Feeling the vibration of the radial engine just ahead of you and There are a total of 14 cowl bumps—two for each cylinder. The spinner is an option on the new WACO YMF-5. From the rear you can see the generous rudder size, the elevators, and the bracing wires. This photo was taken at Oshkosh WI in the antique aircraft area. by Stan Alexander Photos courtesy the author 42 MODEL AVIATION The UPF-7 version was put into service during World War II as a trainer. Notice the differences in its fin and rudder compared to those on the YMF-5. The various fin and rudder shapes on the different WACO designs are easy to see. There are plenty of existing subjects on which to base a model. However, the company didn’t limit itself to biplanes, such as the WACO Model 10 or the much later AVN-8 model with tricycle gear, as many people may think. In 1930, WACO started producing an airplane that would eventually lead to a type used in World War II: the military assault glider. These weren’t biplane gliders, but simple singleplace trainers. During World War II, the WACO troop gliders carried Allied forces into battle on DDay. WACO or a company building the gliders for it produced and delivered 95% of all glider forces. As were many aircraft, WACOs were built and constructed by several companies, including Aeronca. WACO continued to build a variety of civil and military biplanes through the end of World War II. Quite a few of them are still flying at air shows and fly-ins today. The F-model WACOs were not one particular aircraft type; they were a series of biplanes powered by the more familiar radials and the in-line Menasco engine. F-series designations included RNF, INF, MNF, QCF- 2, UPF-2, UBF-2, YMF-3, YMF-5, UMF-3, CPF-1, YPF-6, ZPF-6, VPF, ZPF-7, and UPF-7. WACO produced at least 17 different versions of this series by 1942. There were cabin F models and the more familiar threeplace biplanes. The forward cockpit was designed to hold two passengers or a student. The F designs were sold for pleasure and for work, and the military used some of them as trainers in World War II. The first WACO F models were designed to keep the leading commercial and civil manufacturer in the forefront of aviation in the US. These new aircraft included improvements over the then-current models, including the tail wheel, balanced elevators, full cockpit upholstery, Bendix brakes, storage pockets in both cockpits, and dual brake controls. But the 1930s proved to be the swan song for biplane production. The two YMF models were similar. The YMF-3 was produced in 1934, tweaked in 1935 with improvements and a larger rudder, and designated the YMF-5. It sold for $6,795 in 1935, which was expensive at the time. It was powered by the Jacobs 245-horsepower radial engine. The YMF-5 was popular with pilots and owners; it was aerobatic, inexpensive to operate, and able to land on grass or paved fields with the tail wheel. More UPF-7s were produced than any other F type. The US Army Air Force and the Navy used them for pilot training in World War II, and they were built until December 1942. I have included a side view of a UPF model for reference. This particular airframe was built on September 25, 1941, and was sold to Harte Air Service, Inc. in Wichita, Kansas. The 30-foot-wingspan beauty is currently powered by a Continental 220- horsepower radial. Notice the difference in the shape of the fin and rudder between the YMF-5 and the UPF-7. The fin on the YMF had much more area. The rear cockpit on this particular airplane appears to have been modified from the original configuration of other aircraft in the series. In 1983, several men began working to bring an idea to fruition; they were set on being the first group to produce an aircraft that hadn’t been built in 50 years under the original type certificate. They wanted to bring a childhood dream to reality. While maintaining the YMF-5’s integrity, these aeronautical engineers—some of whom had worked for Piper, Taylorcraft, and Ford— made close to 300 engineering changes. They redrew more than 1,400 drawings and built new tooling for expected production. Their efforts resulted in truly handmade aircraft, constructed one at a time. The first of the new airplanes rolled off the assembly line in March 1986 in Lansing, Michigan. The WACO YMF Super was introduced in 1991. It features more internal width— more legroom increased useful load—a balanced rudder, and a larger front entry door. The fuselage is covered with aluminum back past the front cockpit so that passengers who are not used to flying don’t punch holes in the fabric covering. The new YMF-5 has been sold around the world, including to pilots in Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, and the Caribbean. The continuation of the WACO YMF series is a testament to the type’s popularity with modelers and full-scale aviation enthusiasts. Most of the model kits of WACOs or biplanes produced in the last 30 years have been of the YMF-5. The only other Americanbuilt biplane that has been as popular is the Boeing Stearman trainer series. The YMF-5 has classic lines, a nicely rounded fuselage, and a long tail moment. Most plans producers and designers use a “half-shell” method of fuselage construction. Also, building in a fixture works well with the rounded framework. The model doesn’t have as many nasty habits as, say, Pitts biplanes or other purpose-built aerobatic biplanes, which are usually compact and short coupled. Color schemes for the YMF-5 abound, and there are several sizes to pick from if you want to build a kit. The WACO is aerobatic although it’s not a purpose-built aerobatic biplane. For a beautiful silhouette in the air with a four-stroke in the cowl, add some smoke; they sound and look great! Try a WACO and remember that real airplanes have two wings and round engines. The aircraft shown is a WACO Classic that is currently produced in Battle Creek, Michigan, under the same type license as the earlier models. It has the same classic lines as the earlier version of the wonderful WACO YMF-5. Enjoy a WACO! Fair skies and tailwinds. MA Stan Alexander 3709 Valley Ridge Dr. Nashville TN 37211 [email protected] WACO YMF-5 specifications: Wingspan: 30 feet Length: 23 feet, 35⁄8 inches Height: 8 feet, 53⁄8 inches Chord: 57 inches Airfoil: Clark Y Engine: Jacobs L-4 225-horsepower radial Top speed: 148 mph Cruising speed: 130 mph Landing speed: 47 mph Paul Matt scale three-views courtesy of Wind Canyon Books Inc. (formerly Aviation Heritage) Box 1445 Niceville FL 32588 (800) 952-7007 [email protected] www.windcanyon.com www.aviation-heritage.com WACO Organizations: WACO Field 1956 N. County Road 25A Troy OH 45373 Directions: Take I-75 to Exit 69, and then go roughly two miles north on County Road 25A toward Troy; it’s on your right. Private airport open by appointment only. For information, contact Dave Bucher at (937) 339-3345, Bob and Pat Wagner at (937) 698-3884, or Joe Balmer at (937) 335-1272. Modelers are welcome, provided they are WACO Historical Society and AMA members. Check with an official before flying in all cases. WACO Museum 105 S. Market St. (just outside Troy Square) Troy OH 45373 (937) 355-WACO (9226) WACO Historical Society Box 62 Troy OH 45373 Membership rates for an individual or family are $30 per year. The student rate is $10 Contact Bill Jackson at jackapen@ voyager.net. WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation Box 1229 Battle Creek MI 49016 [email protected] (616) 565-1000 Fax: (616) 565-1100 Books: WACO Airplanes: Ask Any Pilot the Authentic History of WACO by Ray Brandly ISBN 0960273468 213 pages Published in 1989 by Zenith Aviation Books Contains WACO history and black-and-white photos. The Famous “F” Series by Raymond Brandly ISBN 0960273417 60 pages Published in 1980 by Times Publishing Company Contains history of the complete F series of WACO aircraft, with black-and-white photos. Magazines: International WACO Association Volume 1, Number 1, spring 1990 Also available from Aviation Heritage (see preceding address) Contains three-view and article on page 5. Contact Wind Canyon Books (see preceding address) for information about the availability of WACO magazines that offer a wealth of information on these wonderful aircraft. Model Aviation I wrote the article “Classic Aircraft’s WACO,” published in the August 1994 issue on pages 25-29. It contains photos and three-views. Documentation: Bob’s Aircraft Documentation 3114 Yukon Ave. Costa Mesa CA 92626 (714) 979-8058 Fax: (714) 979-7279 Carries views of the YMF-5 and more than 14 Foto Paaks. One Paak contains the interior and instruments. Jim Pepino’s Scale Plans & Photo Service 3209 Madison Ave. Greensboro NC 27403 Tel./fax: (336) 292-5239 Carries eight photo packs and three-views. Kit source: Pica Enterprises 2657 NE 188th St. Miami FL 33180 (305) 935-1436 Fax: (305) 937-2322 Offers two WACO kits: one with a 60-inch wingspan for .60-.75 power and one with a 72-inch wingspan for a good 120 fourstroke engine. Check with your local hobby shop. Plans: Jim Pepino’s Scale Plans & Photo Service (see preceding address) Plans by Jim Pepino for a 90-inch-span model are $35 plus $6 shipping and handling for mailing tube. Several kit cutters also produce these kits. Bill Northrop’s Plans Service 2019 Doral Ct. Henderson NV 89014 (702) 896-2162 Fax: (702) 897-7775 Bill has plans for a 40-inch-span YMF-5 and .25 engine by Al Wheeler.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/02
Page Numbers: 41,42,43,44
February 2005 41 Why Not Model... WACO YMF-5 Port side of the YMF-5. Note landing light in left lower wing panel’s LE. There are many colorful schemes for this airplane. smelling the oil and exhaust is the tonic of the Golden Age of Aviation. But wind in the wires is a unique sound for biplanes; it’s music to the ears of opencockpit pilots and modelers. WACO biplanes have been favorite modeling subjects since modelers could put two sticks together. The shape, lines, and gloss of the classic paint schemes set the WACOs apart from most other biplanes. This was true in the 1930s and it’s true today. By the mid-1930s, WACO was the number-one civil or military airplane producer in the United States. The company produced a variety of designs for the civil, business, and military market. Some of the many biplane types were the standard opencockpit models, such as the WACO 7 through 10 varieties. There was also the famous WACO Taperwing series, including the ATO, CTO, and JYM designations which were sold around the world. WIND IN THE wires is a sound that has been heard in aviation since 1903. Climbing up the left side of the fuselage and carefully sliding into a fabric-and-steel-tube-covered biplane was the thrill of a lifetime for many pilots and passengers. Feeling the vibration of the radial engine just ahead of you and There are a total of 14 cowl bumps—two for each cylinder. The spinner is an option on the new WACO YMF-5. From the rear you can see the generous rudder size, the elevators, and the bracing wires. This photo was taken at Oshkosh WI in the antique aircraft area. by Stan Alexander Photos courtesy the author 42 MODEL AVIATION The UPF-7 version was put into service during World War II as a trainer. Notice the differences in its fin and rudder compared to those on the YMF-5. The various fin and rudder shapes on the different WACO designs are easy to see. There are plenty of existing subjects on which to base a model. However, the company didn’t limit itself to biplanes, such as the WACO Model 10 or the much later AVN-8 model with tricycle gear, as many people may think. In 1930, WACO started producing an airplane that would eventually lead to a type used in World War II: the military assault glider. These weren’t biplane gliders, but simple singleplace trainers. During World War II, the WACO troop gliders carried Allied forces into battle on DDay. WACO or a company building the gliders for it produced and delivered 95% of all glider forces. As were many aircraft, WACOs were built and constructed by several companies, including Aeronca. WACO continued to build a variety of civil and military biplanes through the end of World War II. Quite a few of them are still flying at air shows and fly-ins today. The F-model WACOs were not one particular aircraft type; they were a series of biplanes powered by the more familiar radials and the in-line Menasco engine. F-series designations included RNF, INF, MNF, QCF- 2, UPF-2, UBF-2, YMF-3, YMF-5, UMF-3, CPF-1, YPF-6, ZPF-6, VPF, ZPF-7, and UPF-7. WACO produced at least 17 different versions of this series by 1942. There were cabin F models and the more familiar threeplace biplanes. The forward cockpit was designed to hold two passengers or a student. The F designs were sold for pleasure and for work, and the military used some of them as trainers in World War II. The first WACO F models were designed to keep the leading commercial and civil manufacturer in the forefront of aviation in the US. These new aircraft included improvements over the then-current models, including the tail wheel, balanced elevators, full cockpit upholstery, Bendix brakes, storage pockets in both cockpits, and dual brake controls. But the 1930s proved to be the swan song for biplane production. The two YMF models were similar. The YMF-3 was produced in 1934, tweaked in 1935 with improvements and a larger rudder, and designated the YMF-5. It sold for $6,795 in 1935, which was expensive at the time. It was powered by the Jacobs 245-horsepower radial engine. The YMF-5 was popular with pilots and owners; it was aerobatic, inexpensive to operate, and able to land on grass or paved fields with the tail wheel. More UPF-7s were produced than any other F type. The US Army Air Force and the Navy used them for pilot training in World War II, and they were built until December 1942. I have included a side view of a UPF model for reference. This particular airframe was built on September 25, 1941, and was sold to Harte Air Service, Inc. in Wichita, Kansas. The 30-foot-wingspan beauty is currently powered by a Continental 220- horsepower radial. Notice the difference in the shape of the fin and rudder between the YMF-5 and the UPF-7. The fin on the YMF had much more area. The rear cockpit on this particular airplane appears to have been modified from the original configuration of other aircraft in the series. In 1983, several men began working to bring an idea to fruition; they were set on being the first group to produce an aircraft that hadn’t been built in 50 years under the original type certificate. They wanted to bring a childhood dream to reality. While maintaining the YMF-5’s integrity, these aeronautical engineers—some of whom had worked for Piper, Taylorcraft, and Ford— made close to 300 engineering changes. They redrew more than 1,400 drawings and built new tooling for expected production. Their efforts resulted in truly handmade aircraft, constructed one at a time. The first of the new airplanes rolled off the assembly line in March 1986 in Lansing, Michigan. The WACO YMF Super was introduced in 1991. It features more internal width— more legroom increased useful load—a balanced rudder, and a larger front entry door. The fuselage is covered with aluminum back past the front cockpit so that passengers who are not used to flying don’t punch holes in the fabric covering. The new YMF-5 has been sold around the world, including to pilots in Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, and the Caribbean. The continuation of the WACO YMF series is a testament to the type’s popularity with modelers and full-scale aviation enthusiasts. Most of the model kits of WACOs or biplanes produced in the last 30 years have been of the YMF-5. The only other Americanbuilt biplane that has been as popular is the Boeing Stearman trainer series. The YMF-5 has classic lines, a nicely rounded fuselage, and a long tail moment. Most plans producers and designers use a “half-shell” method of fuselage construction. Also, building in a fixture works well with the rounded framework. The model doesn’t have as many nasty habits as, say, Pitts biplanes or other purpose-built aerobatic biplanes, which are usually compact and short coupled. Color schemes for the YMF-5 abound, and there are several sizes to pick from if you want to build a kit. The WACO is aerobatic although it’s not a purpose-built aerobatic biplane. For a beautiful silhouette in the air with a four-stroke in the cowl, add some smoke; they sound and look great! Try a WACO and remember that real airplanes have two wings and round engines. The aircraft shown is a WACO Classic that is currently produced in Battle Creek, Michigan, under the same type license as the earlier models. It has the same classic lines as the earlier version of the wonderful WACO YMF-5. Enjoy a WACO! Fair skies and tailwinds. MA Stan Alexander 3709 Valley Ridge Dr. Nashville TN 37211 [email protected] WACO YMF-5 specifications: Wingspan: 30 feet Length: 23 feet, 35⁄8 inches Height: 8 feet, 53⁄8 inches Chord: 57 inches Airfoil: Clark Y Engine: Jacobs L-4 225-horsepower radial Top speed: 148 mph Cruising speed: 130 mph Landing speed: 47 mph Paul Matt scale three-views courtesy of Wind Canyon Books Inc. (formerly Aviation Heritage) Box 1445 Niceville FL 32588 (800) 952-7007 [email protected] www.windcanyon.com www.aviation-heritage.com WACO Organizations: WACO Field 1956 N. County Road 25A Troy OH 45373 Directions: Take I-75 to Exit 69, and then go roughly two miles north on County Road 25A toward Troy; it’s on your right. Private airport open by appointment only. For information, contact Dave Bucher at (937) 339-3345, Bob and Pat Wagner at (937) 698-3884, or Joe Balmer at (937) 335-1272. Modelers are welcome, provided they are WACO Historical Society and AMA members. Check with an official before flying in all cases. WACO Museum 105 S. Market St. (just outside Troy Square) Troy OH 45373 (937) 355-WACO (9226) WACO Historical Society Box 62 Troy OH 45373 Membership rates for an individual or family are $30 per year. The student rate is $10 Contact Bill Jackson at jackapen@ voyager.net. WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation Box 1229 Battle Creek MI 49016 [email protected] (616) 565-1000 Fax: (616) 565-1100 Books: WACO Airplanes: Ask Any Pilot the Authentic History of WACO by Ray Brandly ISBN 0960273468 213 pages Published in 1989 by Zenith Aviation Books Contains WACO history and black-and-white photos. The Famous “F” Series by Raymond Brandly ISBN 0960273417 60 pages Published in 1980 by Times Publishing Company Contains history of the complete F series of WACO aircraft, with black-and-white photos. Magazines: International WACO Association Volume 1, Number 1, spring 1990 Also available from Aviation Heritage (see preceding address) Contains three-view and article on page 5. Contact Wind Canyon Books (see preceding address) for information about the availability of WACO magazines that offer a wealth of information on these wonderful aircraft. Model Aviation I wrote the article “Classic Aircraft’s WACO,” published in the August 1994 issue on pages 25-29. It contains photos and three-views. Documentation: Bob’s Aircraft Documentation 3114 Yukon Ave. Costa Mesa CA 92626 (714) 979-8058 Fax: (714) 979-7279 Carries views of the YMF-5 and more than 14 Foto Paaks. One Paak contains the interior and instruments. Jim Pepino’s Scale Plans & Photo Service 3209 Madison Ave. Greensboro NC 27403 Tel./fax: (336) 292-5239 Carries eight photo packs and three-views. Kit source: Pica Enterprises 2657 NE 188th St. Miami FL 33180 (305) 935-1436 Fax: (305) 937-2322 Offers two WACO kits: one with a 60-inch wingspan for .60-.75 power and one with a 72-inch wingspan for a good 120 fourstroke engine. Check with your local hobby shop. Plans: Jim Pepino’s Scale Plans & Photo Service (see preceding address) Plans by Jim Pepino for a 90-inch-span model are $35 plus $6 shipping and handling for mailing tube. Several kit cutters also produce these kits. Bill Northrop’s Plans Service 2019 Doral Ct. Henderson NV 89014 (702) 896-2162 Fax: (702) 897-7775 Bill has plans for a 40-inch-span YMF-5 and .25 engine by Al Wheeler.