[mwavesdave]

As a kid, I watched my father build one of these kits. I was limited to Guillows rubber band powered models at that age. I was amazed at how big the plane was, and very disappointed that it was being built to adorn an office, vice fly. The man who commissioned the build was a lawyer who owned and flew a full sized WACO. I vowed I'd one day get my hands on a kit, and build it to fly. I recently acquired one from a seller on RCU, and it arrived in the mail late last week.

[mwavesdave]

So far, not planning too many mods, but certainly one servo for each elevator half. More reliable, in my books. Most likely pull-pull cables for the rudder as well. Hoping to make room for a full cockpit kit as well.

Not sure on power yet, but I did check the size of one of my RCGF 20cc gassers, it would be a perfect fit. I think for scale flying, the 20cc should be more than enough. I usually go for the higher/insane end of power, but this bird should be every bit the elegant aerobat that the full sized bird is.

[mwavesdave]

Fuse framing is very straight forward, and quick. For an 80's kit, the wood is nearly perfect, and die cutting, even on the ply, very good. So far, all parts fit like a glove. Most of the stringers are in place, and the horizontal stab is built, sanded, and almost ready to attach. Elevators are built and sanded as well. I'll finish the fuse to the point where the wing can be mounted, and then swap over to build the lower wing. Then I can mount the wing, check incidence against the stab, prior to gluing the stab to the fuse.

[Sukhoi 68]

Dave,
I'm sure I have told you this, the CG on the plans is WRONG! If you follow the plans and use their suggested CG you will have a very tail heavy Waco on your hands. I used a DLE30 and still had to put bothe batteries and 12oz of lead in the cowl. If I remember correctly I set it a 5 1/4" from the leading edge of the top wing.

Scott

P.S. PM me your address again....Christmas is coming early

[mwavesdave]

Good reminder, and I'll be sure to check the plans, as well as build threads, etc, and see about corrective action. So assuming the RCGF 20cc would only make matters worse. My concern with anything bigger, was weight/vibration, but I can certainly beef up the nose section easily, to handle more power/weight.

[mwavesdave]

Latest progress on the WACO. Tail feathers done, except for final sanding. Top wing on the go, working on leading edge and sheeting. Kit was perfectly preserved, wood is a wee bit dry, bit too much for some pieces for thin CA, but takes medium CA very well. No musty smell, it's just about factory fresh.

[Trumpetman]

Dave, nice work as always! I don't know how you do it . It's all I can do to stay on top of one build at a time LOL. Down the road I'm looking at a Waco for a big round engine project...

[mwavesdave]

I'd love to do one of the big AMR WACO's, and a radial engine. Need a lottery ticket though! Helps that the wife builds as well, and kids are grown and gone. Allows us all sorts of time for building. We have the double garage workshop, plus a spare bedroom on the same floor, that's setup for building as well, so lots of space for multiple projects. For fun, lol, we're completely renovating our kitchen right now too!

[mwavesdave]

So far, so good. Got the lower wing done to the point where I could mount it under the fuse, check alignment, and then prep for attaching the vertical and horizontal stabs! All went very well, super easy alignment. Fit of the lower wing to the saddle, is perfect. Funny how they could do so well in the 80s, yet I've built modern kits that don't fit nearly as well. All the fuse parts, wing ribs, etc, have all been a very good fit, with little to no sanding required. Very happy! Hope Dad's looking down in approval.

[wymbly1971]

Lookin' good Dave. I'm SOOOO jealous