The ultimate buyer: E-flite UMX Waco BL BNF Basic, 550mm (EFLU5350)

You dream of holding a piece of aviation history in your hands? E-flite's compact double-decker combines classic design with modern technology and promises an exceptional flying experience. In this comprehensive purchaser, you will learn everything you need to know about the Horizon Hobby Double Decker – from technical data to customer reviews to practical tips and tricks.

Technical data and facts at a glance

The E-flite UMX Waco BL BNF Basic with its 550mm span is an impressive model that combines classic charm with the most modern technology. Here the most important technical data:

The small double-decker comes to you completely assembled so that no assembly is required. You only need a suitable remote control and a suitable flight battery to start into the air.

Customer reviews and experiences

Most positive response

Most pilots are thrilled by the UMX Waco double decker. The following aspects are repeatedly highlighted:

Flight behaviour: Thanks to the AS3X stabilization technology, the model flies very stable and precise even in light winds. Beginners appreciate the good-natured characteristic, while experienced pilots praise the big flight range - from slow, dimensional cruising to dynamic art flight maneuvers.

Processing: The quality of the components and the accuracy of detail are evaluated positively throughout. The model builders are particularly impressed by the true-scale details such as carbon tensions, the cockpit detailing and the pilots with a moving scarf.

Performance: The built-in Brushless engine offers plenty of power reserves for dynamic flight maneuvers. At the same time, it allows relaxed cruises with throttled gas.

Critical votes

A few criticisms also appear in the experience reports:

• Some users report a somewhat fragile construction that can be damaged in harder landings
• The battery life is sometimes felt too short
• Some pilots would have wanted a suspension with suspension

Test results and performance

In various tests, the classic double-decker cuts well to very well. Model flight experts praise above all:

Flight characteristics

The UMX Waco convinces with a wide range of flights. At low speeds, the double-decker is good and stable. Thanks to the powerful brushless motor, dynamic art flight figures such as loops, rollers and turns can be easily flying. The AS3X technology suppresses unwanted influences due to arches and ensures precise handling.

Flight time and range

With a suitable 280mAh 2S LiPo battery, the Horizon Hobby double-decker reaches flight times of about:

• 5-6 minutes with frequent full gas and art flight
• 7-8 minutes with mixed flight style
• Up to 10 minutes with economical flight

The range is several hundred meters and is more limited in practice by visibility than by reception technology.

Increased power

The climbing performance of the small double-decker is impressive. With full battery it rises almost vertically. Even after several minutes of flight time, enough power remains to easily gain height. This is particularly important for art flight maneuvers that require sufficient altitude reserve.

Material quality and robustness

The UMX Waco consists mainly of sturdy foam coated with a colored foil. The surface is well detailed and has dimensional structures. The bracing between the support surfaces consists of real carbon fiber rods, which not only optically convinces but also contributes to stability.

Particular emphasis should be given to:

• High quality foam construction with good detailing
• Stable yet lightweight construction
• Real carbon fiber tensions
• Robust servos with good adjusting force
• Reliable brushless motor

Damage can naturally occur when crashing. However, most minor damages can be repaired with commercial second glue or hot glue. Spare parts are available for larger repairs.

Transportability and Storage

The compact horizon hobby flyer with its 550mm span can be easily transported. However, you should note:

• The model cannot be disassembled, so it must be transported as a whole
• A special transport case is not included
• For protection, a padded bag or a self-built transport protection is recommended
• The sensitive tensions and details should be protected during transport

For storage:

• Store dry and dust-protected
• Rechargeable battery
• Do not expose direct sunlight
• Ideally mounted in a padded box or suspended

Spare parts supply

The spare part supply for the E-flite double-decker is mostly good. Horizon Hobby offers many spare parts through the trade:

• Support surfaces (top and bottom)
• hull parts
• Engine and engine mount
• Servos
• Recipient/Regler combination
• Chassis and wheel linings
• Propellers and spiders

Smaller components such as tensioning or cockpit details are not always available individually. Here it is sometimes necessary to improvise or to use larger assemblies.

Target group: Who is the classic for?

The historical double-decker is aimed at different groups of model flyers:

Advanced Beginners: Thanks to AS3X stabilization, the UMX Waco is also suitable for ambitious beginners who have already gained first experiences with simpler models.

Experienced pilots: Anyone who can fly will appreciate the combination of dimensional appearance and yet dynamic flight characteristics.

Scale-lovers: For fans of historic aircraft, the detailed double-decker offers a perfect blend of authenticity and good flight characteristics.

indoor and outdoor pilots: The light flyer can be fly in large halls as well as outdoors in wind silence.

The model is less suitable for absolute beginners without flying experience or for pilots who are primarily at speed or extreme art flight maneuvers.

Construction and Guidance

The E-flite UMX Waco BL BNF Basic is already fully assembled and requires no assembly. You just have to:

1. Programming remote control
2. Charge the battery
3. Use the battery
4. Check the focus
5. Conduct a range test

The included instructions are clearly structured and well illustrated. It contains all necessary information for commissioning and first flight tips. The setting values for the rudder stops and the focus are particularly helpful.

Thanks to the good documentation, the programming of remote control is also possible for beginners and takes about 10-15 minutes. Overall, the pilot can be made ready for flight within 30 minutes when a charged battery is present.

Community support and help

An active community has developed around the classic double-decker. In numerous forums and social media you will find like-minded people for exchange and help:

• RCGroups and similar international forums have their own threads to the model
• On YouTube you will find many flight videos and tutorials
• Facebook groups for UMX models offer direct exchange
• The manufacturer Horizon Hobby offers support by email and phone

The many tips of experienced pilots are particularly valuable:

• Optimum focus settings
• Tuning possibilities
• Repair techniques
• Flight style and special maneuvers

Alternatives and competitors products

Those interested in the E-flite UMX Waco should also consider these alternatives:

E-flite UMX Waco with AS3X and SAFE Select (EFLU53550/EFLU53550Y)

In addition to AS3X stabilization, the newer version also offers the SAFE-Select technology, which provides even more aviation safety if desired. It is also compatible with 2S or 3S batteries, which allows more performance. Available in white or yellow.

Advantages over the UMX Waco BL BNF Basic:

• SAFE-Select technology for beginners
• 3S compatible for more performance
• Modern receiver with telemetry
• Two colour options available

Cons:

• Mostly something more expensive
• More complex configuration

FMS Red Baroness Biplane 800mm

A larger alternative for pilots looking for a more robust double-decker:

Advantages:

• Larger and more robust
• Lighter transport through removable support surfaces
• More visibility through larger dimensions
• Often better wind suitability

Cons:

• Less scale details
• Needs more space to fly and transport
• Higher weight

Park zone Ultra-Micro Sukhoi SU-26m

For pilots who are more interested in art flight than in scale optics:

Advantages:

• Better art flight characteristics
• Robust design
• Often more aggressive flight behavior possible

Cons:

• No historical double-decker
• Less scale details
• Other flight behaviour

Value for money

The E-flite UMX Waco BL BNF Basic moves in the middle price segment for ultra-micro models. The price-performance ratio can be rated as good if you take into account the following factors:

Pros for the price:

• High-quality processing and detailing
• Ready assembled and ready to fly (except battery and transmitter)
• Integrated AS3X technology
• Brushless drive instead of Brushed motor
• Long-term spare parts availability by established manufacturers

Note:

• Additional costs for suitable remote control, if not available
• Multiple batteries recommended for longer flight fun
• possibly necessary transport bag

Overall, the small double-decker offers a lot of model flight pleasures for a reasonable price, especially if the spectrum remote control is already available.

Tips, tricks and optimizations

Flight optimization

1. Focus on fine tuning: The recommended focus is a good starting point. Experiment with minimal shifts (1-2mm) for your personal flight behavior.

2. Expo settings: Programm your remote control with 25-30% Expo on cross- and high-level rudders for softer control reactions.

3. Set up flight modes:

   • Normal Mode: Reduced failures for true-scale flying
   • Art flight mode: Full set-ups for dynamic flight behavior

4. Propeller tuning: A slightly modified propeller can improve performance. Careful grinding of the blade tips can increase efficiency.

Battery management

1. Optimum battery size: 280mAh 2S LiPo batteries offer the best balance between weight and flight time.

2. Mark battery position: Mark the optimal position of the battery in the fuselage for consistent center of gravity.

3. Battery rotation: Use multiple batteries and allow them to cool enough between the flights.

Maintenance and maintenance

1. Regular inspection: Check the tensions and rudder steering before each day of flight.

2. Propeller protection: In transport and storage, put a small foam block on the propeller.

3. suspension protection: In the case of landings on rough surfaces, small O-rings can be placed on the axles as additional damping.

4. Reinforcements: Critical positions such as suspension brackets can be reinforced with thin fabric band.

Frequent questions and problems of users

Technical problems and solutions

Question: My engine is running unround or vibrating strongly. What can I do?

Solution: Check the propeller for damage and exchange it if necessary. Also check whether the motor shaft is bent or the motor mount has loosened. It often helps to reconnect the engine and balance the propeller.

Question: The flight time is shorter than expected. How can I extend it?

Solution: Several factors affect flight time:

• Use a full capacity battery (280mAh)
• Fly with reduced gas, especially on straight lines
• Avoid constant full gas
• Optimize the focus for more efficient flying
• Check if all rows move freely and there are no mechanical resistances

Question: My model reacts delayed to tax inputs. What's that about?

Solution: This can have several causes:

• Check the range of your remote control
• Ensure that AS3X calibration has been performed correctly
• Check the servos for damage
• Check the rudder steering on game or damage
• Ensure that the battery still has sufficient voltage

Beginner questions

Question: Is the E-flite UMX Waco BL BNF Basic suitable for complete beginners?

Answer: For absolute beginners without any flying experience, the model is recommended only to a limited extent. The AS3X technology makes flying easier, yet prior experience with a simpler trainer model or flight simulator is recommended. Advanced beginners with first flight experiences can, however, begin with this model.

Question: Which remote control is best suited?

Answer: Each spectrum remote control with DSMX/DSM2 technology and at least 4 channels is compatible. The spectrum DX6e or NX6 is recommended for beginners as they are future-proof and provide all necessary functions. Experienced pilots often use the DX8 or NX8 for additional programming options.

Question: Where can I fly this model best?

Answer: The UMX Waco is suitable both for large indoors (sport halls) and for outdoors with little wind (under 8 km/h). Ideal airfields are:

• Large, flat meadows without high obstacles
• Model aerodromes
• Large sports halls
• Large parking spaces in the early morning (if empty)

Tuning and modifications

Question: Can I upgrade the engine for more performance?

Answer: A motor upgrade is possible, but not necessarily recommended, as the original engine is well tuned to the model. If you upgrade, you should pay attention to the weight and power consumption. It is better to switch to a 3S battery if your controller supports this (with newer versions possible).

Question: Can the optics of the model be improved?

Answer: Yes, some popular improvements are:

• More detailed pilot figure
• Fine aging tracks with weathering techniques
• Additional scale details like instrument panel
• Other color schemes by cautious overhanging with oracover film
• LED lighting for night flights

Question: Can I fly FPV (First Person View) with this model?

Answer: With ultra-light FPV components, this is possible, but requires experience in model construction. The additional load changes the flight behavior and shortens the flight time. A microcamera and a light transmitter with a total weight of about 5-7g can be integrated into the fuselage without excessively impairing the flight properties.

Conclusion: A fascinatingly detailed double-decker for lovers

The E-flite UMX Waco BL BNF Basic with 550mm span is an impressive model that combines classic design with modern technology. It offers experienced beginners and advanced pilots an authentic flight experience with the charm of early aviation.

The strengths are clearly in the detailed scale reproduction, the broad spectrum of flights thanks to AS3X stabilization and the powerful brushless drive. The finished assembly from work makes the entry particularly easy.

The relatively short flight times and the sensitivity to wind due to low weight are to be taken into account. With the right expectations and some flying experience, however, the classic double-decker will provide many hours of flying pleasure and will always attract admiring views.

If you are looking for a detailed, well flying double-decker in ultra-micro format, this Horizon hobby model surely does nothing wrong. It connects Nostalgie with modern technology to a convincing overall package.