Waco, an early aviation manufacturer, constantly evolved their aircraft designs and there was excitement in the factory as the new prototype rolled out. The morning chill in Troy, OH was fading to a mild 54 degrees on April 4,1931. Sporting some new features that were hoped would add to the safety and fun of flying, translating into sales, anticipation ran high for the new prototype S/N 3453. With the success of the earlier “Model F” of 1930, Waco introduced the redesigned model “QCF” based on it. Known as the QCF-2, this updated F-line had more horsepower with a Continental A-70-2 165HP engine. The new prototype had more than just greater power. Waco incorporated for the first time the Clark Y airfoil and redesigned the QCF-2 landing gear, making it stronger and simultaneously giving the new F-2 an increase in its payload and speed. The F model was also the first to use the mechanical brake system called the British brake. The F-2 was Waco’s first use of metal ailerons. The tailwheel got improved as well as moved back 12”. The Waco QCF-2 quickly established itself as the biplane of the day, earning a grand reputation for its class and became affectionately known as simply the F-2.
The Continental test pilot, Paul E. Wilcox, who said, “Am so happy to learn that “Betsy” is still alive and so well. Had no idea she could have lasted this long.” “We installed R-670 S/N 501 and gave it its maiden flight on Dec 12, 1941.” Wilcox went on to say, “After many hours of flight testing under the most severe conditions, I delivered the plane and engine to the Navy in Pensacola, Florida where they tested its suitability for use on the Macon” (the dirigible USS Macon). The Navy ended up purchasing two QCF-2s. Wilcox continued that “Betsy” “went to Randolph Field at San Antonio, Texas and was demonstrated to the Air Corps hoping they might be interested in the plane’s merits as a primary trainer.” “My last flight in the F-2 was on Sept 23, 1932 about a month before I left Continental. I can’t remember whether we sold her before I left, if not it was a short time thereafter.”