Talk:Waco F series

Latest comment: 10 years ago by Ahunt in topic YMF/YMF-5

YMF/YMF-5 edit

Although the YMF-5 started out as an updated YMF, what has made it into production is an entirely new design, sharing little other than its general configuration, and a tenuous link to Waco at best, so to suggest the Waco F series is still in production is arguable. All structural members were redesigned for higher loads, the fuselage is longer and wider (pilots and passengers being wider than they were in the 1930s), and the fin and rudder are new and much larger. A replica Tiger Moth or Piper Cub wouldn't cause the original type to be listed as "in production" so why should this?NiD.29 (talk) 05:10, 13 November 2013 (UTC)Reply

Well if you want to go with that argument then it needs explanation in the article, otherwise the article will show it is out of production and in production at the same time. The FAA TCDS classifies the YMF-5 as a YMF model on the type certificate, noting that the changes are minor. It says "This model is a modernized version of the original YMF. The five principal areas in which design changes were incorporated are: (1) throttle control, (2) wheels and brakes, (3) electrical and starting system, (4) steerable tail wheel, (5) engine and propeller, (6) fuselage lengthened 6 inches. Additionally, construction materials and methods have been updated to current standards." If you think that the YMF-5 is that different than perhaps it should be split into a new article? - Ahunt (talk) 13:13, 13 November 2013 (UTC)Reply
Not sure if there is enough material for a split, but it should be clear that it is more replica than just resumed production, regardless of how the company sold it to the FAA and the public. "updated to current standards" makes it a whole new beast - I am surprised the FAA allowed such a substantial redesign under the same certificate.NiD.29 (talk) 13:41, 13 November 2013 (UTC)Reply
Well if you are going to label it a replica or a new design, then we will need a ref that says that. The FAA certainly put it on the original type certificate as an "updated" version of the YMF. - Ahunt (talk) 13:58, 13 November 2013 (UTC)Reply