scotty302

I have tried to find any additional photographs in relation to the Waco SRE when it pertains to the UC-72 version used back in the 40's. There is the one photo showing the front left quarter but not much else. The paint i chose to set for a base was olive drab, not too hard to mess up the finish on this. If there is anyone that may know of additional details to this particular airplane, would be grateful.




I already have a link showing the designations of all UC-72's assigned to the forces during WWII, but that is it. Seems that no one was interested with the photography aspects at the time. I was thinking that at least one would survive to make it to a museum somewhere.

Scott

airportbum

I was thinking about recovering Sig's SRE to UC-72 colors, but this was all I could find. Looks like OD green top with gray bottom and stars. JC

skylarkmk1

Guys,

You may want to contact the Andy Heins at the National Waco Club. He has lots of info on most of the Waco Versions and may have another photo (other than the one you found) or 2 or info on colors in his files.

scotty302

Thanks for the input, I'll see if he could fill in the jigsaw puzzle of information. Just didn't want this plane to look like all the rest and provide some insight. As for color photos, might have to go with first hand accounts from those who have seen it personally.

scotty302

Contacted Andy Heins and turns out he has a possible good photo and another with not so much detail. Either rate, he'll try and track them down out of the countless albums he has on hand.

As it turns out, guess there was only 13 of the SRE models used for the UC-72 version and of those, s/n 5801 is the only one from the 72's left that is flyable out of the four still listed as airworthy by the FAA. The only mishap stats that show any accidents are 2, one from 1967 and another from 2003. I guess that means all the rest of the SRE's probably crashed or were derelict prior to 1962 when the NTSB starts their online database.

scotty302

I meant s/n 5081

NC20956 Waco SRE 5081 42-38370 TF Ryan

skylarkmk1

Scotty,

SRE s/n 5081 is assigned N-number N247E according to the FFA Registry and is based in Lafayette, LA. Its certificate was issued in 1977 and whether it is still flyable is in doubt.

I talked with the owner of SRE NC 58785 at the AWC Fly In this summer and he stated that there is only 1 ARE (NC 20953 at the EAA in Wisconsin) and 3 SREs currently flying. SRE NC 1252W (s/n 5153) at Popular Grove, IL, SRE 20961 (s/n 5086) in St. Louis, MO and SRE NC 58785 (s/n 5155) in Louisiana

I do have a complete walk around with close-ups of details and interior shots of NC 58785.

NC 1252W and NC 20961 I only have a few pictures of but I may be able to get more of NC 20961 as I live in the StL area if I can get in contact with the owner.

scotty302

Well thank you very much, I thought the records from the FAA were supposed to be more thorough than that. When I picked up the plane from the club, I didn't know this was going to be the one version of the plane with very little documentation in terms of photos. I was just going to use the current pics of the cockpit for that part. I was really keeping my fingers crossed that someone might have a slightly better photo of the military version. Andy said that the pics he has were of the E version, different aircraft but the markings should be simillar to show location. At any rate, the model isn't exactly precision scale built and just looking to produce a unique version of the Waco when completed. I would definitely be welcome to any additional close up photos you have, thanks again.
Scott.

skylarkmk1

Scott,

I will try to contact the owner of Waco SRE NC 20961, s/n 5086, USAAF s/n 42-38271, model UC-72 tomorrow. I found the side view photo of 238 271 which is now NC 20961 (Red SRE above) on WW2Aircraft.net http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/alb...all&si=Station

FWIW - Waco SRE s/n 5081 has had 3 different “N� numbers NC 20956, NC 247 and NC 247E according to the FAA History Project on Aerovintage http://www.aerovintage.com/faareg5.htm

The UC 72E designation was assigned to the Waco ZGC-7 when impressed by the USAAF. See the NWC for photos or go to Aerofiles http://aerofiles.com/_waco.html and scroll down to the ZGC-7 for a photo (civilian).

scotty302

You are awesome, thank you a million. Hope to turn this plane into a memorable one. The side shot reveals quite a few of the details and google images wouldn't have come up with this one unless i would have known to reference it correctly. I might just use this as a starting point with the number designation. Wasn't too sure of the shade of grey for the bottom sides and how much it covered, the first photo almost looks like the grey is just the reflection of the tarmac on the bottom. Looks like the same stars on the tops of the wings are a bit smaller. other than that, with I could get a chance to see one up close after all the time invested so far.

Scott.

skylarkmk1

Scott,

We are in luck. I got in touch with the owner of NC 20961 and we will meet at the airport tommorrow to take pictures of it. He has the same side view as above and I will try to find out if the bottom was grey or not. His father had another SRE (s/n and/or "N" number he does not remember) that was impressed but did not make it back. The pilot ground looped it on its first military take off. I'll be in touch.

scotty302

Shame to hear about the other SRE, want to thank you very much for all the help since the external features can be completed a bit further, the intricate details, especially with the cockpit are a bit more allusive. I have a single photo of the instrument panel with the control yoke in the way and shows a little of the sides. Hope the other photos will reveal the other features.

My other project is taking so long due to the complex nature of the airtruk and the way the plans build the plane up, trying to work with the carbon fiber to stiffen everything up. The Waco just happened to be completed up to the point where the details can be worked on and see this on through to completion a bit faster, the space limitations contribute to the delay. Went through the garage and did a bit of cleanup to reduce the clutter. Had to work on the truck and was able to fill up the bed to clear up the floor.

Anxiously await your return.

Scott

froghair1

http://aerofiles.com/waco-UC72.jpg try tis for a history of all us aac waco's

froghair1

mailto:[email protected] you might also check with these guys

froghair1

http://www.aero-web.org/locator/manufact/manufact.htm not many pictures but a short history and some info on where they are at. some day i might get all my ducks in a row and send all this info in one post

skylarkmk1

Froghair1,

Check the House of Moy site http://www.houseofmoy.com/waco/ I have compiled a list of Plans, Kits and other Documentation on Wacos and posted it there. If I don't have the sites you have listed above, I will add them to the list at the next update. Thanks.

Also check out the Waco YMF thread in Vintage and Antiques http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_40..._1/key_/tm.htm It is mostly about the Pica YMF kit that has been out of production for a while but we welcome any and all Waco aficionados. We have input from the Pepino, AMR (33% and 40%), Geneses, SIG SRE, Cox/Pica and some scratch built Brothers. Did I mention Brothers (and Sisters)? If you want you can request to join the Waco Brotherhood (no rules, dues or anything but a liking of Wacos). To really show your support for Wacos and the Brotherhood, send a PM to Bill (stickbuilder) and order a couple of Waco Brotherhood T-Shirts.

skylarkmk1

Scott,

About 190 pictures taken today, PM sent

scotty302

Thanks John, should be able get a start on the interior fairly soon. Hope you received my pm, will get the info to you asap.

Froghair1, I took a look at the site and not many updates on the Waco aircraft yet, i guess it all depends on the info they receive from those with the documentation.

scotty302

Been a really long time putting this one off, paint is on the exterior and will post pics soon. Got it ready for an airshow addition with info placard for the club and working on getting the radio and fuel tank installed with the hopes of getting it airborne this summer before installing the rest of the interior. The s/n chosen was the one that already had the pic on the net - 42-38271 since the plane is currently redesignated to 20961. Since there is no past pictures of the WW2 interior, wanted to incorporate much of the current interior unless someone else has some examples of other ww2 era Waco's used during that period, would greatly appreciate any additional assistance.

scotty302

Here is a couple of pics for now as the rest of the install progresses, hope to see this project through to the end. What i do need is to photoshop myself getting in.