ORIGINAL: RICKSTUBBZ
Picture 2 shows the current configuration of this bird if all my cross references are correct. What I don’t know for sure is on the 1st picture its tail number is “NC” versus just “N”. All the searches I am pulling up either show it to be just “N” or show reference to the same aircraft. Any help to steer me in the right direction would be appreciated on that info.
Rick,
US registration number used to show the certification category as a part of the number. The "N" designates that the aircraft is of US registry. The next letter designated the certification category. "C" for Civil, "X" for Experimental, etc. This practice was discontinued in the late 40s (1948 or 49). After that date, the registration number showed only the "N" followed by the number.
The current regulations allow antique aircraft to be marked in the same manner as when they were new. Thus, many Wacos (including my own) and other aircraft of similar vintage have been marked with the "NC" designator just as they would have been when they were new. You'll note that the new manufacture Wacos from Waco Classic in Battle Creek, MI do NOT show the "NC" as they are new manufacture aircraft and not "antiques". Only the Wacos manufactured by the original Waco company are eligible to be marked with the "NC" designator.
If you are replicating a vintage Waco with your model, then the "NC" is appropriate. If you are replicating a "new" Waco manufactured by Waco Classic, then just an "N" is appropriate.
Hope this helps!
Joe
WB #54