HOWDY -
I bought this from a fellow RC-er several years with the hope that my flying skills would match this plane's performance. That day has come.
QUESTIONS/OBSERVATIONS:
Is a Saito 100 too much?
Suggestions for making a cowl or a source to buy from?
Can I use Futaba S3004 servos?
Is this 1/5 or 1/6 scale? Wing span is 62", Fuse is 47"
Are smoke systems available for "non-gas" applications?
What are flight charateristics for this airplane?

It's a 1/6th, and the saito 100 is just fine, std servos are ok, but on interlinked alerions, look to use servos with at least 1.5 times the std output, so say at least 60-70 oz torque per a side.

CottcoRC ,
Try Fiberglass Specialties Inc. for the cowling and they might have the wheel pants also. I use a lot of their items for my Bucker Jungman and Sukhoi items.
Hope this helps.
Jim Clausen

CottcoRC,

I fly the 1/5 size and here's what it flies like. Ailerons are very slow, rudder is very powerful, and the elevator is perfect. It floats forever on landing. I think you'll love it, but watch that rudder! It'll snap inverted pretty fast with rudder input. Builds up speed fast on the down side of a loop/stall turn. Looks absolutely beautiful in the air. Have fun.

pmw

A suggestion (I'm assuming you've got the kit, not a completed plane). I'd put a separate aileron servo in each lower wing. The kit's system of bellcranks works OK, but it gets sloppy over the years (mine is 15 years old and just about worn out). Fiberglass specialties does have a really good cowling. The kit's interplane struts really aren't functional. If you've got a big enough vehicle to transport this with the wings attached, I'd recommend something that attaches more securely.

If you scroll down to the GOLDEN ERA and VINTAGE section here on RCU, you'll find a thread with more info on the PICA Waco than you ever wanted to know. You can also request to be a member of the Waco Brotherhood, a fine organization indeed! Good luck with the Waco.

<span style="font-size: medium">If the "silly bug" strikes, could I fit my Waco with a 3 cylinder radial? </span></p>

You can fly the 1/6th scale version with an engine as small as a good .60 engine. Good standard servos are appropriate for this model as well. The Saito 100 will certainly fly this model, but you will spend most of your flight time at 1/2 throttle or less.

You need to be aware that this is a very high drag model, and must be flown all the way to the runway. The C/G should be adjusted so that the balance point is at 25-30% of the mean aerodynamic chord. Most were set up tail heavy, and this makes for a problem on landing.

You would be welcome in the Waco YMF thread in the Golden Age/Vintage and Antique forum.

The cowl that is listed for this model by Fiberglass Specialists is incorrect for the YMF, but is correct for the UMF variant. It will work, but the blister location is not right.

I hope that you enjoy your Waco, and feel free to join us.

Bill, Waco Brother #1

CottcoRC-

Stickbuilder is the expert on the PICA WACO. Check out his thread, he can help! Good luck not getting overwhelmed. You'll love it!