Waco AGC-8 (oz6194)

About this Plan

Waco AGC-8. Scale model for radio control. RCM Plan # 870. Waco AGC-8, 44in span, by Fred Reese.

Quote: "To our knowledge, this Waco AGC-8 is a first time presentation of this aircraft in a model publication. Drawn to a scale of 1-1/4in = 1ft, this .10 to .25 powered aircraft is a must for the scale builder.

The classic Waco cabins of the thirties epitomize an era of luxurious biplane aircraft. This sport scale model of the handsome AGC-8 is designed for .10 to .25 engines.

The Waco cabin biplanes originated in 1931, and were developed until 1940 culminating in the E series; the SRE being the most famous. After the war, a new W series was started and one was built, but development costs and a slumping post war market ended the project and Waco closed its doors in 1947.

The Waco cabin biplanes were conceived with goals of low cost, good small field performance, and ability to carry four passengers in comfort. The Waco AGC-8 was powered with the Jacobs L-6 engine rated at 300 hp. Cruising speed was 149 mph and a range of 600 miles. In 1938, the AGC-8 sold for $10,495 at the factory. The ZGC-8 used the 285 hp Jacobs and sold for $9,895. The EGC-8 used the 320 hp Wright engine and sold for $12,860. Meanwhile, the Beech D-17S Staggerwing could cruise at 202 mph and had a range of 800 miles but cost $18,870, almost twice as much as the Waco and the Waco could carry the same load.

This model is the brainchild of Dick Kidd and Dick Tichenor, who sent me a drawing of this airplane with a note in the corner saying what a nice model it would make. Gosh, what could I say, especially since I, too, thought it would make a great model, so I set to work.

Dick said to make it simple and light for a .10. It is not as simple as I would like, but it is light and it is scale in outline. With the cost of everything skyrocketing, the stick structure reduces the cost and the weight. The model could be built using slab sides, if desired, using the shaded outline for the sides. The tail group could also be cut from sheet balsa, but be careful, the model has a long tail moment and heavier construction could necessitate the larger engine and possibly ballast in the nose. Mine balanced as shown on the plan with the equipment installed as shown. Weight, ready to fly is only 2-1/2 pounds.

The engine I used is a ten year old O.S. Max .15 that has a lot of time on it. With an 8x4 prop, I was surprised by the performance. The .15 is plenty of power and a .10 would he more than adequate as the Waco will happily putt-putt around at just a notch above idle. Rudder response is good, but if you build it for rudder steering, increase the dihedral by 5/8in and 3/8in for a smoother roll response. Aileron response is gentle, even with large throws, but it will still do nice rolls..."

Update 08/02/2017: added article, thanks to Kees.

Supplementary file notes

Article.
Same plan but on a single sheet, thanks to jmorin12.

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