1933 Waco UBF-2
Spent decades in pieces — passed through master Waco craftsman Forrest Lovley’s shop as the pattern aircraft he used to template other Waco restorations.
Restored from salt-air corrosion by Rob Lock of Waldo Wright's Flying Service. Leaps off the ground in under 200 feet.
Waco UBF-2’s Journey from Pieces to Perfection
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.
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.
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:
✔️ 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
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.
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.
For more information including photographs, restoration information, history, and how we came to acquire the plane go to www.DreamWacos.com
Award Winning Resiliency
A computer rendering made from reference photos, not footage of the airplane
Drawn from reference photos
From every angle
See the 1933 Waco UBF-2 in person
The Collection is open Tuesday–Friday 10am–4:30pm and Saturday 10am–2pm, free admission. You can see this aircraft up close in Hangar 3, where the same shop that maintains and restores the whole Collection works on site. It's part of our flying fleet. On flying days it may be out on the line.
Follow the Collection on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube ↗ for new acquisitions, restoration progress, and flying days.
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