The aircraft displayed at The Caldwell Collection at Mustang Field tell a story of passion, history, and preservation. What began as The Dream Wacos Collection, a personal endeavor by Tony Caldwell, has evolved into a larger mission—honoring the pioneers of flight and sharing their legacy with the world.
 

From Dream Wacos to The Caldwell Collection
 

Tony Caldwell’s love for aviation is rooted in more than just aircraft—it’s about the stories they carry, the pilots who flew them, and the eras they helped define. His Dream Wacos Collection began as a personal pursuit, focused on preserving Golden Age aircraft from the 1920s and 1930s, particularly Waco biplanes, celebrated for their craftsmanship and historical significance.

Over time, Tony’s collection grew beyond Wacos to include a diverse range of vintage aircraft, each with a unique history tied to aviation’s evolution. As his passion for preserving these planes and the aviation community deepened, so did his vision—to create a space where these historic aircraft could be appreciated by all. Today, many of the Dream Wacos aircraft are on loan to The Caldwell Collection at Mustang Field, forming a vital part of the collection’s mission to preserve, restore, and share the stories of aviation’s past.
 

A Collection That Continues to Grow
 

The Caldwell Collection at Mustang Field now includes both the aircraft from Dream Wacos, other private collections, and Caldwell Collection owned aircraft that represent significant chapters in aviation history:
 

✦ Fairchild PT-19 – A WWII primary trainer like those once used at Mustang Field, providing a direct connection to the pilots who trained for combat here.

✦ Monocoupe 90-A – A sleek and innovative personal aircraft from the 1930s, representing the rise of civilian aviation.

✦ Porterfield 35-70 – A light, efficient aircraft designed for economy and ease of use, widely favored by private pilots.

 

✦ Waco UPF-7, UMF-3, and UBF-2 – Stunning examples of 1930s biplanes, used for barnstorming, training, and sport aviation.

✦ Travel Air B4000 – Once operated by the U.S. Commerce Department’s Aeronautics Division - the predecessor of the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) and today’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - this aircraft helped establish early air mail routes, forming the foundation of the modern airline industry that we rely on today. Restored to its original condition, it provides a glimpse into the pioneering days of air travel.

✦ Waco ZPF-6 & YMF-5 – Currently undergoing restoration, these biplanes showcase Golden Age craftsmanship, with the ZPF-6  and the YMF-5 carrying on Waco’s open-cockpit flying tradition.
 

Preserving Aviation’s Golden Age
 

What started as one man’s passion project has become a public treasure, ensuring these aircraft are not just preserved but flown, restored, and shared with future generations. The Caldwell Collection at Mustang Field continues to acquire and restore historic planes, adding new exhibits and stories that keep aviation history alive. The Caldwell Collection at Mustang Field is not just a place to see airplanes—it’s a place to experience their history, witness their restoration, and celebrate the pioneers who made aviation what it is today.