Sandhawk
Kit# K-51/1251
Semi-Scale
Version 2 Pink Skill Level Hang Tag
Version 1 Pink Skill Level Facecard with Black K-51/1251 Numbering
Designers: Michael Poss & John Simmance
Production Years: 1975-1979
Retail Pricing Range: $3.95-$6.50
Rarity: Scarce
Description: Facecard and hang tag are typical skill level series design with pink color designating a skill level 2 kit. The above kit images show a Version 2 skill level hang tag with pricing oval. Version 1 facecard is pink and white color with overlaid static Sandhawk rocket in white, gray and black colors. The kit name and semi-scale designation are shown with black letters. The lower section of facecard provides kit numbers in black, kit specifications and engine recommendations.
The Sandhawk is a well detailed semi-scale model (1/10th scale) based on injection modeled plastic nose cone, fins and payload section. Since the kit's inception, Estes offered a replacement plastic parts kit in all catalogs. Recovery is via dual parachutes for payload and main body. The Sandhawk is basically a 24mm D engine powered model but can be flown on 18mm engines with Estes' EM2050 adapter.
Kit Contents: The 1251 kit contains plastic nose cone halves and tail section halves, four plastic fins and two payload section halves, a paper main body tube, 24mm engine mount, 12" antenna wire, 18"and 12" parachutes, launch lug and instructions.
Availability: The pink skill level hang tag packaging version is scarce and can be found with patience. Expect to pay in the range of $50 to $100 for a kit with the higher price being for a strictly problem free example. The early Sandhawk kit with yellow double oval hang tag and red two panel facecard is much more difficult to locate than the more common skill level version but carries no premium based on 2008 through 2011 eBay results.
Additional information can be found at the following links;
JimZ Kit Plan Link: Estes K-51
Specifications: Length (30.1 in), Weight (5.0 oz), Diameter (1.325 in)
Recommended 24 mm Engine: D12-5
With EM2050 Adaptor: B4-2, C6-3 but B4-2 would be quite under powered for a 5.0 oz model
Estes Catalog Artwork
