1927 Waco 10

The Waco Model 10 was first introduced in 1927 as a single-engined, three-seat single-bay biplane constructed around steel-tube frames. The wing was covered with fabric, and both upper and lower wings carried ailerons, which were connected by struts. The two passengers sat side by side in a cockpit under the upper wing and ahead of the pilot in a separate cockpit. It had a split-axle fixed undercarriage and a tailwheel. The main undercarriage was fitted with hydraulic shock absorbers, unusual at the time for a light aircraft. The fin could be trimmed on the ground to offset engine torque, and the tailplane could be trimmed in flight. Initially it was powered by a Curtiss OX-5 water-cooled 90° V-8 engine producing 90 hp (67 kW).

The Model 10 was the most numerous type to be built by Waco, with at least 1,623 built over a period of 7 years from 1927 to 1933, and was fitted with a very large variety of engines of radial and V configuration. This model turned out to have excellent handling, and there was a ready supply of war-surplus Curtiss engines. It was widely used for barnstorming and joyrides, and was also much used as a trainer and by small operators for charter flights.

Our 1927 Waco-10

This Waco Ten, Serial number 1171, came out of the factory in the fall of 1927 and was delivered to Knapp Flying Service, Ypsilanti, Michigan, which was the Waco distributor for the Michigan area. The plane would pass through a number of hands and a couple of states, before being purchased by Clement Armstrong in June of 1956. He would place it in storage for restoration at a later time, which would be 18 years later in 1974 before any serious restoration work began.

Clement worked to keep the aircraft as close to original as possible during the restoration process. The only real major change being the installation of Bendix 30×5 wheels with mechanical brakes and a Scott tailwheel instead of a skid to make it safer to operate on modern airports. All fairings, floor boards, and supporting structure were replaced, along with a new stainless steel firewall being added.

The aircraft was then recovered with Grade A cotton and finished with butyrate dope. The instruments are of the proper era, with only the compass and airspeed needing overhaul. A vintage brass fire extinguisher rounds out the cockpit.