1933 Waco UBF 2

The Waco UBF-2  is a stunning open-cockpit biplane but also a living testament to resilience, craftsmanship, and aviation history. Originally built as a sport biplane, this aircraft journey has been one of long dormancy, multiple owners, and an extraordinary restoration effort to bring it back to its former glory.

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For decades, the UBF-2 remained in pieces, passing through the hands of aviation enthusiasts, restorers, and even noted aircraft craftsman Forrest Lovley, who used it to create patterns for other Waco restorations. Along the way, it endured legal battles, financial setbacks, and years without movement before landing with Woody Woodward and his son Chris, who began its restoration journey. Though work had started, it wasn’t until Andrew Hochhaus acquired it in 2014 that it flew again, logging about 100 hours before changing hands once more in 2022.

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After years exposed to salt air, the aircraft showed signs of corrosion, bubbling paint, and worn structural elements. What was initially planned as minor cosmetic repairs turned into a full restoration project led by Rob Lock of Waldo Wright’s Flying Service. The restoration process included:

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✔️ Stripping and repainting the wings, fuselage, and control surfaces
✔️ Replacing corroded fittings, fasteners, and hoses
✔️ Reworking the engine, exhaust, and propeller
✔️ Refinishing the cockpit with custom modifications for improved handling
✔️ Upgrading the rudder and brake pedals for a better fit and feel

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Powered by a Continental W670 engine and fitted with a Hamilton Standard Ground Adjustable prop, the Waco UBF-2 is a thrill to fly, capable of leaping off the ground in under 200 feet and climbing at up to 2,000 feet per minute.

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Its remarkable transformation was recognized at Sun 'n Fun 2023 and EAA AirVenture 2023, where it earned Silver Age Champion Antique and Outstanding Open Cockpit Biplane honors. Now a treasured part of The Caldwell Collection at Mustang Field, this Waco stands as an example of preserving the antiquity and honoring the workmanship of early aviation.

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This Waco is displayed for its journey—from decades of uncertainty to a meticulous restoration that ensured its survival. Now, as part of The Caldwell Collection, it serves as an inspiration to future aviators, restorers, and history enthusiasts, proving that some aircraft are simply too special to be forgotten.