1935 Waco YMF-5
Being rebuilt from a collection of parts by West Coast Air Creations — the aircraft hasn’t flown since the 1950s, when it worked as an Idaho crop duster.
A legacy restoration in progress — new wings by Scott Shue, all-new sheet metal, and a freshly overhauled Jacobs radial.
1934 Waco YMF-5: A Legacy Restored, A Dream in Progress
The Waco YMF-5, now undergoing restoration, is a project steeped in history and ambition. This aircraft, which last flew in the 1950s as a crop duster in Idaho, is being brought back to life from a collection of parts, piece by piece, with the goal of returning it to the skies in July 2026.
Originally flown by the Western Company as a crop duster, this Waco has passed through several dedicated hands over the decades:
- ✔️ 1959: Purchased by Mike Kelly with the intention of restoration
- ✔️ 1990s: Work begins, rebuilding the upper wing center section and fabricating new ribs
- ✔️ Later Sold To:
- Barry Branin, a Waco enthusiast who sought the right caretaker
- Mike Tracy, who continued preserving its components
- Dream Wacos LLC, ensuring its full restoration
Dream Wacos LLC, ensuring its full restoration
This aircraft was originally flown on floats, but it will be restored as a wheeled aircraft while keeping the original floats together as part of its history. Bringing the YMF-5 back to life requires an extraordinary effort, with the project now in the expert hands of West Coast Air Creations.
The restoration process includes:
✔️ New wings being built by Scott Shue, with an evaluation of the existing center section
✔️ All-new sheet metal, fabricated by Scott Gregorsen in Minnesota
✔️ Instrument overhaul and restoration by Legacy Aviation to ensure period-correct accuracy
✔️ X-raying and structural testing of the fuselage for integrity
✔️ A fresh engine cowl, sourced from Roger James
✔️ Jacobs radial engine overhaul by Radial Engines, LTD
✔️ A 102-inch Hamilton Standard propeller, returning to its rightful place after a unique exchange
The journey is far from over, but each rivet, polish, and rebuild brings this legendary aircraft one step closer to its return to flight. This Waco is well on its way to soaring once again as a shining example of aviation heritage and dedication.
For more information including photographs, restoration information, history, and how we came to acquire the plane go to www.DreamWacos.com
Rising from Restoration
Drawn from reference photos
From every angle
See the 1935 Waco YMF-5 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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