Words of Recognition

 
When I set out to collect the entire series of Waco “F” models I didn’t think it would actually be possible.  For one thing the F6 was exceedingly rare with only 4 ever built.  And while there are a lot of Waco Classic YMF5’s built since the 1980’s there were very few originals built and just a small handful of restorations, or even projects, available. 

But I’ve learned that when you set a goal, you are serious about obtaining it and willing to do what is required to achieve it the universe seems to align to make it possible. 

Originally, I thought I’d collect these marvelous machines serially, one at a time.  Then I thought it might be possible to have some, but not all, in my hangar together where they could be compared.  But like other goals I have set it became apparent that it might actually be possible to have an example of each of the six in my small collection all at once.  Finding an “F6” proved to be easier than I thought – though we are having to essentially build one from the ground up as scarcely any original parts have survived over the nine decades since it was released. An “F5” proved to be fairly simple to find – again if you count a hangar full of rusty parts an airplane.  Again, we’d have to do the long, laborious and expensive work of restoration. 

The “F” that has proved the hardest to add to the Collection is the very first, the “little” F as it is often called.  This particular model, introduced in 1930, came with a variety of engines including Warner, Kinner and Menasco (RNF, KNF, MNF) and, other than the “F7” series produced as a wartime trainer, the most numerous “F” model built.  I wrote letters to every owner multiple times seeking a seller, I called on and went to see every airplane advertised for sale, I talked to dozens of people, I traveled all over the country following every lead I could uncover, I obtained a commitment from one collector to sell his plane to me just to see the promise reneged upon, in short I tried everything I could to add this last “F” to the collection. 

After nearly five years of diligent search like Archimedes I can at last say “Eureka!” and report that I have found it!   NC140Y is now officially a part of the Caldwell Collection.  As the capstone of not only the search but the series it represents a goal obtained and now the Collection can offer the visitor the only place in the world where he or she can come to see all the “F” models in one place.  Now, the curious and the ardent aficionado, can compare these marvelous machines side by side and see the progress of ingenuity as Waco Aircraft Company built better and better machines throughout the 1930’s.