EScale WACO User manual

With Brushless Motor and 2.4GHz Radio
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
SPECIFICATIONS:
Wingspan: 990mm
Length: 800mm
Weight (inc. battery): 680g

2 Waco Instruction Manual
VITAL SAFETY INFO
CAUTION! The Waco is not a toy.
It can cause injury to persons/animals and/or property
if not used correctly. It is unsuitable for persons under
the age of 14. You should take care and observe the
principles of safety when flying this model. In the UK,
we recommend you observe the British Model Flying
Association (BMFA) safety code at all times, which can
be found at the following address: http://www.bfma.org
In Australia, please contact your hobby supplier or the
Model Aircraft Association of Australia (MAAA).
YOU ASSUME ALL RISK.
Before beginning construction, please read this
document thoroughly and familiarize yourself with the
construction sequence of the Waco. If any information in
this manual is unclear, please contact your supplier for
help. After reading this manual store it in a safe place
for future reference. This kit is a beginner-intermediate
model, basic RC flying knowledge and skills are
required.
ABOUT THE FLYING AREA
REQUIRED
If you are a newcomer to R/C flight and have never flown
a radio control model before; it is vital you seek advice
from an experienced model pilot on where and how to fly.
Only fly in large open spaces that are approved for R/C
model flying and that are away from people, animals,
buildings, power lines, water or trees.
Only fly in bright sunny conditions where wind speed does
not exceed 5mph.
TRAINING, CRASHES & SPARES
The Waco has been designed to be strong and very
easy to repair, however, it is not invulnerable and most
people will break parts during their flying career. This is
quite normal. All parts are available as spares from your
supplier. Crash damage is not covered by warranty.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This manual is supplied with all versions of the Waco.
Please note that any reference in this manaul to the
Transmitter, Receiver, Charger and Power supply are not
applicable to the Waco version supplied without TX/RX,
Charger and Power supply.
CONTENTS
weee disposal.................................................................. 2
Vital safety info ............................................................... 2
About the flying area required ...................................... 2
Training, crashes & spares............................................ 2
important notice............................................................... 2
Guarantee/warranty........................................................ 2
Kit contents....................................................................... 3
Lithium polymer battery safety ..................................... 4
Lithium polymer flight battery ....................................... 4
Charging the flight battery.......................................... 5
Assembling the Waco..................................................... 6
Switch on the transmitter .............................................. 9
Fitting the lipo flight battery ........................................ 10
Transmitter layout.......................................................... 12
Mode II transmitter layout........................................ 12
Mode I transmitter layout ......................................... 12
Pairing the esc and transmitter .................................. 12
Control checks............................................................... 13
Preflight checks............................................................. 14
Flying................................................................................ 15
Take-off ........................................................................ 15
Landing......................................................................... 15
GUARANTEE/WARRANTY
J. Perkins Distribution Ltd guarantee this product to be free of manufacturing and assembly defects for a period of one year from
time of purchase and Model Engines (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. is for 30 days. This does not affect your statutory rights. This warranty is not
valid for any damage or subsequent damage arising as a result of a crash, misuse, modification or for damage or consequential
damage arising as a result of failure to observe the procedures outlined in this manual. Operation of this model is carried out
entirely at the risk of the operator. Please note that, whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of instructions and material
included with this product, mistakes can occur and neither J. Perkins Distribution Ltd/Model Engines (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. nor it’s
distributors will be held liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this model or for any loss or damage arising from
omissions or inaccuracies in the associated instructions or materials included with this product.
We reserve the right to modify the design of this product, contents and manuals without prior notification.
© 2009 J Perkins Distribution Ltd, Lenham, Kent, UK ME17 2DL. www.jperkinsdistribution.co.uk
Model Engines (Aust.) Pty. Ltd., Noble Park, Victoria 3174, Australia. www.modelengines.com.au.
All rights reserved. E&OE.
WEEE DISPOSAL
Do not dispose of this product with other household
waste. Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose of
your waste equipment by handing it over to a designated
collection point for the recycling of waste electrical
and electronic equipment. The separate collection and
recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal
will help to conserve natural resources and ensure that
it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and
the environment. For more information about where you
can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please
contact your local council, your household waste disposal
service or the shop where you purchased the product.

3Waco Instruction Manual
KIT CONTENTS
CONTENTS LIST
15 Channel 2.4 GHz Transmitter and Receiver (*Not included with ARF version)
2Fuselage with Outrunner Brushless Motor and 20A ESC (pre-installed)
3Lower Wing with servo installed
4Upper Wing
5Horizontal Tail
6Fin and Rudder
72-Bladed Propeller (2)
8Spinner
9Interplane ‘N’ struts
10Cabane struts
11Screw set (8 of 5.5*2, 12 of 9*2 (airframe screw), 2 of 9*2.5 (spinner screw), 1 of 3mm prop nut)
12Mount for vertical fin.
13Landing gear assembly
143-Cell 11.1V 1500mAh Li-poly Battery
15Mains power supply (*Not included with ARF version)
16Li-poly Balance Charger for-3 Cells (*Not included with ARF version)
17Aileron connecting rods
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
 8 x AA Transmitter batteries
 Small Phillips screwdriver
 Small spanner 5.5mm
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
14. 15. 16.
17.

4 Waco Instruction Manual
LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERY SAFETY
BEFORE CHARGING LI-PO’S
■Before charging your battery check for any damage e.g. check if the battery has expanded or swollen in size or
if the battery cells have been punctured. If any of the above is true: DO NOT CHARGE THE BATTERY!
CHARGING LI-PO’S
■Only use a charger designed to charge Lithium polymer batteries. Never use a nicad or other charger as this is
very dangerous.
■Never attempt to charge at a rate faster than that recommended in the instructions. Check that the battery cell
count matches the charger cell count switch (if fitted).
■Never charge unattended. Always stay with your battery whilst charging in case of overheating or fire.
■Charge on a safe surface or container (e.g. old unused microwave oven). Charge only on non-flammable
surfaces, e.g. concrete floor preferably outdoors, or in a pyrex cooking dish with the battery placed on a bed of
sand, or in a fireplace. Never charge inside a car!
■Switch off charger if battery gets too hot. If the battery becomes hot to the touch during charging, disconnect
and switch off immediately.
■Extinguish fires with sand. If something goes wrong and your battery catches fire, always have sand from a fire
bucket at hand to douse the flames. Do NOT use water!
USING LI-PO’S
■Do not modify/change any part of the battery or lead. Do not remove its heat shrink protective covering.
Removal or modification may damage the battery and will invalidate any warranty claim.
■Do not place this battery near fires or anything with high temperatures.
■Do not charge batteries while you are driving and do not store batteries in any type of motor vehicle.
■Do not let the battery get wet or become submerged in any type of liquid.
■Do not carry loose batteries in your pocket or bag as they could short-circuit against other items.
■If you should get electrolyte from the cells on your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water. If in your eyes,
rinse thoroughly with water. Seek medical assistance.
LITHIUM POLYMER FLIGHT BATTERY
Charging lead only
The LiPo flight battery is a high power battery designed to give a flight time of approximately 10mins per charge. It is
supplied in a partially charged state.
As well as a red T-type connector and lead (for connection to the ESC) the battery is also fitted with a white 3-pin
polarised connector. This is the charge lead. Connect this white plug to the 12V charger. Always leave the battery in a
partially charged state. Never leave it in a discharged state.
The battery should be charged if you notice the model losing power. At this point land and recharge the battery.
Do not be tempted to run the battery past this stage as you will be over-discharging and the battery may be damaged.
WARNING!
We recommend that you use only the supplied EScale charger with this battery.
WARNING!
Over-discharging will shorten the life of the battery or destroy it. Stop flying immediately you notice the model is
losing power and recharge the battery.
WARNING!
Do not short circuit—battery may explode!
IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO ALREADY PLEASE READ THE LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERY SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ABOVE BEFORE PROCEEDING ANY FURTHER.

5Waco Instruction Manual
CHARGING THE FLIGHT BATTERY
Mains power supply
(*Not included with
ARF version)
12V Charger
(*Not included with
ARF version)
LiPo Battery
The charger is designed to automatically charge the LiPo battery in about an hour from a discharged state. The 12V
DC automatic charger is powered by the mains power supply illustrated above. Alternatively, you can use a 12V
sealed modelling battery to power the DC automatic charger.
1. Connect the charger to the power source.
The power LED will light Red and the charge
LED will light Green.
2. Plug the white 3-pin connector on your Li-po
battery into the 3pin socket in the front of the
charger.
Charging: Charge LED flashes Red.
Fully charged: Charge LED is solid Green.
If the charge LED is solid Red when you plug in the
battery no charge is needed.
3. When the battery is fully charged disconnect the
battery from the charger. Disconnect the 12V
power source from the charger. Your Li-po is
ready for use.

6 Waco Instruction Manual
ASSEMBLING THE WACO
1. Locate fuselage and the landing gear
assembly.
2. Firmly push the landing gear assembly wire
into the slot until it “clicks” and locks in
position..
3. Locate the tail plane assembly and the mount
for the vertical fin.
4. Insert the tab on the underside of the mount
into the slot in the top of the tail plane
assembly.
5. Secure the tail plane with two of the 9mm x
2mm screws provided.
6. Locate the vertical fin and rudder.
7. Slip the tail wheel steering arm into the pre-
installed bracket on the base of the rudder.
8. Slide the verticle fin into the mounting
bracket on the tail plane.
9. Secure the verticle fin with two of the 9mm x
2mm screws provided.

7Waco Instruction Manual
10. Fit the elevator and rudder pushrod clevises
to the middle hole on each control horn.
Note: Moving the clevis to the inner most hole
increases the control response, while moving
the clevis to the outer hole decreases the
response.
11. Locate the lower wing with the pre-installed
servo.
12. Plug the aileron servo into the pre-installed
extension lead
13. Secure the lower wing using the two nylon
wing bolts provided.
14. Locate the cabane struts.
15. Install the cabane struts as shown using 9mm
x 2mm screws provided.

8 Waco Instruction Manual
16. Locate the interplane or ‘N’ struts.
Note: Take care as the ‘N’ struts will only fit in one
direction. The bottom of the strut will match
the contour of the wing surface.
17. Install the ‘N’ struts as shown using the small
5.5mm x 2mm screws provided.
18. Locate the upper wing.
19. Position the upper wing and secure using the
small 5.5 x 2mm screws for the ‘N’ struts and
the 9 x 2mm screws for the cabane struts.
20. Fit the aileron connecting rod. Insert the ‘Z’
bend end through the control horn on the top
wing. Use the adjustable clevis on the other
end of the pushrod to ensure the top aileron
is level.
21. Locate the propellor and spinner
20. Fit the spinner back plate onto the propeller
shaft making sure the nut on the shaft fits
snuggly into the hex on the back plate.
21. Fit the propeller and secure with the retaining
nut provided. Gently tighten with spanner or
shifter (not provided).
Cabane Struts
‘N’ Struts

9Waco Instruction Manual
22. Secure the spinner cone with the two 9 x
2.5mm screws provided.
Note: Make sure you use 2.5mm screw to avoid
the spinner and propeller coming loose.
(Not to be confused with the 2mm airframe
screws)
SWITCH ON THE TRANSMITTER
23. Locate 2.4GHz. Transmitter.
24. Install 8-AA batteries (sold separately) into
the battery compartment located in back of
Transmitter case making sure they are placed
in the correct direction.
25. Turn on the transmitter by pushing the ON/
OFF sliding switch forward.
Note: Always turn your transmitter ON before you
turn your plane on.
Note: Always turn your plane OFF before you turn
your transmitter OFF.
Note: Ensure the throttle stick and trim slider
are in the down position (mode 1 shown).
The other trim sliders should all be centered
as shown.

10 Waco Instruction Manual
FITTING THE LIPO FLIGHT BATTERY
26. After turning ON the transmitter as shown
above, plug in the battery to turn on the Waco
as shown below.
Note: Always turn your transmitter ON before you
turn your plane on.
Note: Always turn your plane OFF before you turn
your transmitter OFF.
27. Remove the battery hatch cover by lifting the
latch at the rear of the cover, then slide the
cover rearwards.
28. Slide the hatch cover rearwards until it
becomes completely detatched from the
fuselage.
29. Connect the flight battery to the matching
connector. You will find this inside the
fuselage.

11Waco Instruction Manual
30. Insert it into the battery compartment with the
Velcro on the side of the battery facing down.
31. Refit the battery hatch..
TRANSMITTER LAYOUT
MODE II TRANSMITTER LAYOUT
32. Left Stick is Throttle (up and down) and
Rudder (side to side)
33. Right Stick is Elevator (up and down) and
Ailerons (side to side).
34. Retract (Ch.5) switch is on Right front. (Not
used on Waco).
35. Servo reversing switches across lower front
of case.
36. Fine trim adjustments for 4 main channels.
Please see the EScale Transmitter Manual for more
detailed instructions on Transmitter functions
Throttle High
Throttle Low
Rudder
Right
Rudder
Left
Elevator Down
Elevator Up
Aileron
Right
Aileron
Left
Retract switch
Ch. 5 (Not used on
Waco)
Trim Adjustments Servo reverse switches
Power
Switch
‘PDM’ Switch
MODE I TRANSMITTER LAYOUT
37. Left Stick is Elevator (up and down) and
Rudder (side to side)
38. Right Stick is Throttle (up and down) and
Ailerons (side to side).
39. Retract (Ch.5) switch is on Right front. (Not
used on Waco).
40. Servo reversing switches across lower front
of case.
41. Fine trim adjustments for 4 main channels.
Please see the EScale Transmitter Manual for more
detailed instructions on Transmitter functions
Elevator Down
Elevator Up
Rudder
Right
Rudder
Left
Throttle Up
Throttle Down
Aileron
Right
Aileron
Left
Retract switch
Ch. 5 (Not used on
Waco)
Trim Adjustments Servo reverse switches
Power
Switch
‘PDM’ Switch

12 Waco Instruction Manual
REVERSE SWITCHES
Reversing switches are used to reverse the
direction of the four flying controls. They are
factory-set and should NOT be switched for
flying your Waco.
The reversing switches are located on the front
panel of the transmitter. The correct position
of the switches is shown.
PAIRING THE ESC AND TRANSMITTER
42. PLEASE NOTE: The first time that the model
is powered up the ESC must recognize the
transmitter and verify the range of throttle
motion. Follow these easy steps.
43. With the throttle stick at its lowest position,
turn on the transmitter and then plug the flight
battery into the ESC.
Note: Photo shows a mode II transmittter
44. After a few seconds there will be a beep
tone, move the throttle stick to full throttle,
there will be another beep tone but the motor
will not start.
45. Return the stick to its lowest position for
the final confirmation tones after which the
throttle will work normally.
46. Please note that this process only needs to
be done one time. After this the throttle will
operate normally for all subsequent flights.
SERVO REVERSER
1234
Channel No. references:
1 - Aileron
2 - Elevator
3 - Throttle
4 - Rudder

13Waco Instruction Manual
CONTROL CHECKS
47. Elevator is controlled by the elevator stick.
Check that the direction and distance of
movement is correct.
48. Stick toward the bottom of the transmitter
the elevator should move up. When moved
toward the top of the transmitter the elevator
should move down.
49. If the direction is incorrect, switch the
servo-reversing switch on the front of the
transmitter.
50. Adjust the position of the pushrod to get
approx. 1/2” (13mm) in each direction.
Note: It is important to secure the pushrod by
closing the clevis so that it will not come
loose in flight
51. Rudder is controlled by the rudder stick.
Check that the direction and distance of
movement is correct. Stick to the right,
rudder should move to the right and stick to
the left, rudder should move to the left.
52. If the direction is incorrect, switch the
servo-reversing switch on the front of the
transmitter.
53. Adjust the position of the pushrod to get
approx. 3/4” (19mm) movement in each
direction measured at the trailing edge.
Note: It is important to secure the pushrod by
closing the clevis so that it will not come
loose in flight
54. Ailerons are controlled by the aileron stick.
Check that the direction and distance of
movement are correct. When you move the
aileron stick to the right the right aileron will
go up and when you move the aileron stick to
the left the left aileron will go up.
55. If the direction is incorrect, switch the
servo reversing switch on the front of the
transmitter.
56. Adjust the position of the pushrod to get
approx. 5/8” (16mm) movement in each
direction measured at the trailing edge
Note: It is important to secure the pushrod by
closing the clevis so that it will not come
loose in flight
57. The CG (Center of Gravity) for the Waco is
located 2-3/4” to 3-1/4” (70-82mm) behind the
leading edge of the upper wing at the root of
the wing.
58. Check the CG location by balancing the model
on your fingertips (as showm). Adjust the CG
by moving the position of the battery forward
or back inside the fuselage.
Note: The fuselage should be horizontal to the
ground when the model is balancing on your
fingertips at the correct CG.

14 Waco Instruction Manual
PREFLIGHT CHECKS
If you are new to flying R/C aircraft, or even an experienced modeller, we recommend you have a fellow R/C modeller
help you with the first flight. Some items you will need to complete on your first preflight are:
1. Aircraft assembled correctly and ready for flight.
2. All control throws are set per this manual.
3. Transmitter battery power is good.
4. Aircraft balances at the recommended CG
5. Flight Battery is fully charged and secure.
6. All electronics are operating correctly, proper direction, and secure.
7. Wait for a calm or light wind day for first flights.
8. If you are new to R/C flying, consider having an accomplished flyer make the first flight and trim the aircraft.

15Waco Instruction Manual
FLYING
The Waco will take off from short grass or any hard flat surface. Taking off should be attempted into the wind.
Smoothly advance the throttle. After a few feet apply a small amount of up elevator and the model will begin to climb.
Continue to climb out at a shallow angle until you reach an altitude of 75 to 100 feet and level off. Adjust the flight
surface trims until the model flies wings level without a tendency to climb or dive. When making a landing approach
a small amount of throttle should be maintained. When the throttle is completely off the large 2-bladed prop creates a
great deal of drag which will cause the model to slow down quickly. We hope that you enjoy your Waco as much as
we do.
TAKE-OFF
LANDING

With Brushless Motor and 2.4GHz Radio
(Magpie not included!)
Australasian agents: Model Engines,
Melbourne, Australia
www.modelengines.com.au
European agents: J Perkins Distribution,
Lenham, England
www.jperkinsdistribution.co.uk
10.09