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Hobby Lobby Waco V3 EPO with 2.4 GHz Radio Review
Hobby-Lobby’s Version 3 of the Waco offered in EPO foam and as a 2.4 GHz RTF is something I really wanted to fly, and with only a very brief build and set up, I got my wish.
Introduction
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| Wingspan: | 39" |
| Wing Area: | 503 sq. in. |
| Weight: | 24 oz. |
| Length: | 31" |
| Wing Loading: | 6.87 oz/sq. ft. |
| Servos: | 9 gram upgradable to 9g metal gear |
| Transmitter: | Escale - 2.4 GHz – Digital Proportional |
| Receiver: | 2.4 GHz 6-channel |
| Battery: | 1500 mAh 11.1V LiPo |
| Motor: | Brushless 2830 Outrunner (900KV) |
| ESC: | 20 amp - Programmable |
| Available From: | Hobby-Lobby |
| Updated Color Manual: | Manual |
| ESC Programming Directions: | ESC Programming |
| MSRP: | $189 |
The 39” Waco from Hobby-Lobby is an updated version of a previously offered molded foam Waco. This version comes in durable EPO foam, simulated wing ribs, corrugated ailerons, 2 pilot figures, improved cockpit detail and other scale detail additions, plus it is now offered as a 2.4 GHz radio system. Complete with an outrunner brushless motor, three servos, a really great looking scale propeller with viable pitch hub, plus a 1500 mAh 11.1V LiPo and 12V charger and you have a really great Waco rendition.
Kit Contents
My kit arrived with just a little shipping damage. I would attribute this to a few parts moving around, but overall the plane was in good shape. Replacement parts were offered, but the damage was minimal.
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A pretty Waco
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One of the major improvements
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Everything is covered in plastic and taped in place
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A little dose of foam peanuts would set all this in place securely
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Tail feathers are not individually wrapped
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You can see something bent the control horn over and damaged the rudder some
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I would guess this is just post molding changes in the foam
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One last little gouge
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This is something that can be adjusted out of the aileron
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The Waco package less the radio
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And a few screws
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Great looking
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The corrugated ailerons
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Even the gas tank caps are molded in
Assembly
As you would expect from an RTF the build should be ridiculously short and this is the case for the Waco. There are really only a few things to complete: the wing and the tail, landing gear and prop.
Tail
The tail is attached with screws. Most of the screws are similar in size with one small set especially for the wing struts, so be sure to get the updated manual listed above to clarify. It may seem like they are not marked well, but you will have no trouble sorting them out. Take a minute to exercise the elevator and rudder hinges.
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The hinges are pressed and then taped.
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Control horns are installed and clip together securely
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This is the receiver for the vertical stabilizer – double stick tape makes re-alignment somewhat difficult.
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This piece aligns the stabilizers.
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The horizontal stabilizer screws into these holes. You need to make sure you get the screw into the hole and not next to the hole when you install the horizontal stab. Trial fit this before you hard press the tape
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These are the screws as they protrude below the bottom of the horizontal stab.
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The fit is nice and tight.
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The vertical stab will mount with two screws into the plastic piece that mounted the horizontal stab.
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The screws must be installed in only one direction.
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The mounting technique is completed with the tail wheel.
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The tail wheel is attached to the rudder with spring wire.
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This is a good secure connection.
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The tail wheel provided good positive ground control.
I found everything was square and secure after installation. The build method had no problems.
Fuselage
I want to walk you around the fuselage before we button up the lower and upper wing. There is really nothing to do inside the fuselage since this is indeed an RTF.
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This is the underside of the fuselage.
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The 6-channel receiver
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The battery access port showing the ESC
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The linkages are housed in aluminum tubes.
Wing
The wings are joined by “N” struts that are first installed on the lower wing. Fuselage cabane struts are also installed on the fuselage. Make sure you place these in the right direction. Only the “N” struts are clearly marked.
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Start by attaching the aileron servo lead to the receiver.
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Note the placement of the linkages on the servo arm.
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The lower wing locks into place as you guide the servo lead away from the rudder and elevator servo arms.
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There is plenty of room for everything inside the fuselage.
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The lower wing has a forward and aft bolt.
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This is the aft bolt.
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And both bolts
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Marked well
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Pay attention to the markings.
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The cabane struts are not marked. Note the shorter ends attach to the fuselage.
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Here are the lower wing strut mounts.
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Here are the upper wing cabane mounts.
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Note the “N” struts face forward to meet the upper wing.
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The screws go in from the wing tips.
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The cabane struts properly installed.
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These will pretty much align themselves.
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The screw has a slight recess in which the head is buried.
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Note how the top of the cabane looks for the screws to be placed.
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One more view
The top wing should align perfectly with the struts. Keep in mind once the top wing goes on you cannot access the interior of the fuselage until you remove the top wing.
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The screws attach from the outside.
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They should align perfectly.
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The fit is very secure.
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Great cockpit detail
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And the rear pilot
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These guys have the best view possible.
Propeller Installation
You will love the scale 9.5 x 10 propeller, complete with the variable pitch chrome hub. The center of the prop is actually aluminum and has the set screw. Just align the prop on the shaft and tighten with a 1.5mm hex.
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This really adds to the Waco’s scale looks.
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Great detail
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The cowling is decaled.
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Mine stayed on fine.
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Great scale look
Landing gear
The gear is flexible, but also very durable. It might seem otherwise, but I never had any problems with the gear holding its shape or providing a stable stance.
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I think one of the improvements was to widen the wheel openings.
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Fairings will attach to the main gear.
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These are lightweight and cosmetic.
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It looks good when complete. Let the fairings float.
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The fairings will move some.
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You can see there is a larger molded clip that keeps the fairing from turning too far.
Radio
The 2.4 GHz radio packaged with the Waco is a four channel digital proportional with slider trims on all four channels. The receiver is a 6-channel. All channels have reversing switches. A short flexible and rotatable antenna is used. Eight AA batteries are required to power the radio.
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Escale transmitter
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The reversing switches are located on the front panel.
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The bind button
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Typical power access
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A 1500 mAh LiPo with 12V charger is included.
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Battery worked very well.
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Tolerances are unknown.
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The receiver is pre-installed.
Completion
Final assembly steps really are nothing more than installing the battery and adjusting the control throws of the wing. I add that the aileron control throws need adjustment only because I had one side not operating equally with the other side. You really do not need much movement and even though the instructions call for ½” of movement don’t assume you need more.
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This is your adjustment area for the ailerons.
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The aileron linkages are housed in a clear plastic tube that is taped to the wing.
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Note the wing ribs and added pilot step detail.
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I had to use the clevis points to make adjustments because the wire does not bend easily.
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Nice and stable on the ground.
You will want to make sure the ailerons are correctly centered. They should be from the factory, but if you should find that to not be the case, take a minute, before you install the lower wing and get the lower ailerons centered. Mine were slightly off and the servo was not perfectly centered so I made few adjustments to the clevis on the linkages to dial in the correct movement. If the servo is not centered, one arm will move more than the other. You really have two adjusts: one on the linkage clevis to the servo and one on the link arm to the aileron. Just work with it if it is not right. The upper wing aileron will follow the movements of the lower aileron.
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The single aileron servo uses clevis type linkage attachments.
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These clevises are easily adjustable.
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You want both of these to have the same movement.
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The lower wing uses a Z-bend.
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Get these even.
Be sure to download the newest manual from Hobby-Lobby’s website per the link listed above to get the correct CG. It should be at 3” from the leading edge of the upper wing. I had 85mm to 90mm. The battery must be installed in the correct position to achieve this setting.
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The battery just sticks out of the opening.
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The battery hatch is very flexible.
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The fit is good and tight.
Aileron Control Movement
- 1/2” up and down
Rudder Control Movement
- 1 and 1/8” right and left
Elevator Control Movement
- 5/8” up and down
Flying
If I noticed anything as a negative it was the fact I thought the Waco was just a little pitch sensitive. I would have loved to have been able to dial in some expo or even dual rates. You learn to fly the Waco by being less aggressive on the sticks and as I mentioned earlier, the need for extreme control surface movement is not necessary. One might even consider moving the linkages in on the servo arm especially on the elevator. The 2.4 GHz radio performed well and I had no issues with range.
Basics
Stalls were gentle and slow flight was easy at half throttle. The Waco likes to get on her side and will turn very well, some attention to keeping from rolling on over might be wise.
Taking Off and Landing
The Waco was very stable on the ground and the prop torque was not anything that was very noticeable as you powered up on takeoff. I had very little in the way of rudder needed to hold the tail dragger on the centerline. I have flown for a long time and while I should be better at this I tend to give up on keeping it centered when I know I will be able to get off the runway. I thought there was a great power to weight ratio and the take offs were pretty easy.
Landing was easy, but not until you convinced the Waco to quit flying. I am not sure how many times I missed my approach as I was unable to get the Waco to descend. Glide slope is exceptional, and low speed stalls were not present, indicative of the low wing loading of 6.87 oz./sq. ft. I confirmed that while I thought the main gear wire was a little light, I never had a problem and the durability of the gear was not an issue. Wheel pants as well held up and did not rub on the ground.
Aerobatics/Special Flight Performance
This is a fully aerobatic airplane capable of just about anything your fingers can input into the transmitter, but within the scale type performance of a Waco. It is not a 3D plane. The rolls were big and slow as were the loops. Inverted was not a problem and plenty of rudder exists for knife edge flight. The brushless motor gives you a good climb rate, but not something that is going to go vertical. I am pleased the matching components provided scale-like flight.
Is This For a Beginner?
No, this is for intermediate flyers to advanced flyers with some tail-wheel experience and good flight coordination. My only concern is it does want to get into a knife edge and will roll over, and the pitch sensitivity would be exaggerated with too heavy of stick movement.
Flight Video/Photo Gallery
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You can see the wing stagger.
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It looks big on the ground and in the air.
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I wish I was one of these guys.
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You can clearly see the shorter bottom wing.
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A cloud dancer
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Great scale looks.
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A solid performer
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That yellow paint scheme really stands out.
Downloads
Conclusion
I have little but positive comments about the Waco. This version has stated improvements, and one Waco that has great potential. I liked the ground handling, scale looks and overall performance. The molding detail is excellent and little if anything has been left off. Even the fuselage stringers are molded in. The brushless motor is quiet and performed with plenty of power across all maneuvers. Considering all you need to complete this Waco RTF is a 1.5mm hex wrench, a Phillips screw driver and about an hour of time, in the end you have a great aircraft so why not give it a try.
In front:
- Fully painted and decaled
- Exceptional EPO molding and detail
- Scale-like flight
- Excellent ground handling
- Use of updated manual online
In Back:
- Quick on the sticks
- A slightly advanced transmitter would really be nice
- Not offered as a RTF without the radio
Discussion
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Jul 01, 2011, 03:15 AM
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United States, MI, Monroe
Joined Jun 2009
1,713 Posts
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I've liked that plane since I first saw it. Good review!
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Jul 01, 2011, 06:12 AM
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Australia, WA, Ellenbrook
Joined Feb 2008
3,300 Posts
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i have been thrashing one of the V1 Wacos around since they were released, it is my finger warmerupper, i am pretty sure they are uncrashable. i put a set of floats on mine a couple of years back, and chucked an AR6100 reciever in it, apart from that it is still running stock electrics, the motor is getting a bit rattly but i dare say that is more due to some water getting in the bearings over time, still goes great, and looks a treat floating past.
Cheers Craig |
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Jul 02, 2011, 08:09 AM
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United States, MI, Ypsilanti Township
Joined Apr 2011
27 Posts
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Hobby Lobby Waco
Like every thing about it except the Hobby Lobby decal,it spoils the look allot.
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Jul 08, 2011, 08:13 AM
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United States, MI, Ypsilanti Township
Joined Apr 2011
27 Posts
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Anyone Know How ?
Anyone know how to remove the "Hobby Lobby" sticker from the top of the wing.Would soaking it in warm soapy water over night work?
 Thanks |
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Jul 08, 2011, 08:46 AM
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Australia, WA, Ellenbrook
Joined Feb 2008
3,300 Posts
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Maybe some denatured alcohol? Can you try on an outof the way test area?
Craig |
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Last edited by trumps; Jul 09, 2011 at 02:41 PM.
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Jul 14, 2011, 10:47 AM
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Sweden, Västra Götaland, Partille
Joined May 2009
402 Posts
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Nice review!
And I think I found it at a decent price in Sweden! Not Hobby Lobby,but This "REELY"-one looks very similar, same size, same color (minus the ugly Hobby Lobby stickers), and the Tx looks same but with other stickers... http://conrad.se/?ref=adwords&subref...Fc0P3wodWC5OzA I´m REELY tempted,normally RTF´s are close to double the price in Sweden compared to USA, 1495 Swedish Krona is just 230 US$... Tommy |
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Jul 16, 2011, 03:17 AM
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USA, NY, Dunkirk
Joined May 2007
3,914 Posts
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Can airsoft guns be mounted to rc planes? fPV with a waco would be interesting
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Jul 21, 2011, 04:59 AM
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Sweden, Västra Götaland, Partille
Joined May 2009
402 Posts
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Quote:
That mount looks a bit clumsy, but it works, I would strip the plastic "Scope" off the gun for starters... Some say its stupid, up to you I guess. There is a long thread about this subject some where on RCgroups, try a search. Tommy |
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Jul 25, 2011, 09:52 AM
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USA, MI, Portage
Joined Sep 2003
596 Posts
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Club member has the Waco and is experiencing some balloning or the more throttle the more it wants to climb. He has to fly with more down on the stick the faster he goes. He checked the balance and did add some weight. He also added some down thrust on the motor and that seemed to help. I suggested he check the wing incidence. Anyone else experiencing this or have any other suggestions?
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Jul 25, 2011, 04:23 PM
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Australia, WA, Ellenbrook
Joined Feb 2008
3,300 Posts
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Mine definately climbs on full throttle, but flys level at half, this is pretty common with a pot of bipes, there is a lot of wing area, and a lot of lift generated.
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Jul 30, 2011, 09:26 PM
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Canada
Joined Nov 2000
5,183 Posts
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C'mon are you SERIOUS?
A cheap poorly made foam 'plane' with marginal electronics for 'only' $190!!? PLUS shipping? |
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Aug 01, 2011, 12:17 PM
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Niceville, FL
Joined Oct 2004
991 Posts
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A fellow in our club has one of these and I was nominated to maiden it.
It didn't seem very stable -- It tends to roll off to either side with ailerons. Constant attention to roll is required. -- It is pitch sensitive -- Computer radio with expo used to mitigate the above to some extent, but this airplane still doesn't track very well The landing gear was a mess. It sutters and shakes during takeoff and landing - this on a smooth asphalt surface. We've check tracking and checked that the wheels turn easily. We've tried straight ahead and with a bit of toe-in on each wheel. Nothing has fixed this issue. I'm not a big fan of this airplane. |
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Aug 03, 2011, 05:20 AM
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Bavaria, Germany
Joined Nov 2008
1,029 Posts
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Quote:
Very nice float plane you created there. What kine of pontoons did you use, please? Thinking about doing this with mine as well... thanks Uwe |
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Aug 03, 2011, 07:32 AM
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Australia, WA, Ellenbrook
Joined Feb 2008
3,300 Posts
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heya Uwe,
the floats were made by a company called Reach models, they are hollow fiberglass, and pretty light weight though still very robust, i also fly it off of damp grass with the floats and they are still perfect after several years. GWS floats may also be an option. Craig |
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