Robert Clabaugh's Dakota Hawk
Big Hawk –Little Hawk
My two close model building buddies who are
partners in this project and I received the Hawk kit the first of April of last year.
After just getting stared on assembly, I made a trip to the Fisher facility in Edgley, ND.
During the tour of the facility, I was able to acquire a model airplane called the Dakota
Hawk that Erv Jackson designed and kitted for sale in the early 80’s. To those who do
not know of Erv, he was the late husband of Darlene, who died at an early age of 43 due to
cancer. Darlene of course is now married to Gene and an intricate part of the Fisher team.
Being an avid model builder, I was
interested to know that at the time of his death, Erv was also designing a full scale
plane to be kitted, but did not live long enough to finish it. Thankfully Darlene
commissioned Steve Lambert to finish the project in Erv’s memory, which for Erv had
been a long tine dream. That Dream is also called the Dakota Hawk.
So having completed and flown both Hawks, I
appreciate all the effort that made this
happen for me, including Erv, Steve ,Darlene, Gene and the supportive Fisher crew, and my
two model building buddies, Bill Godfrey and John Adams.
Now regarding the Big Hawk, one of the best
days of my life came on August the 10th of this year, when using a often used
phrase, we broke the surly bonds of earth for the first time. The Hawk was easier to fly
than expected. Other than ending that great flight early due to an oil temperature
problem, I was very pleased with the handling and performance of the Hawk. I am currently
at 13 hours of the 25 needed before I can fly out of the 25-mile cage and show off our new
project at EAA flyins.
This Hawk is powered by a 90 Continental,
which served me well in a Fly Baby. When transferring the engine we added a B&C
starter and alternator, which I now appreciate. After completing the frame work, we used
the Stits poly fiber process up to the finish, and then used urethane paint. We also did
the rib stitching for additional security. The final weight came in higher than I hoped
for at 755 pounds.
I took a lot of digital photos of the
project while under construction and would be glad to help any one that is building or
considering the Hawk.
I would also like to thank those responsible for and those who contribute to the Fish Net as I gained a lot of insight into potential problems while building the Hawk. In particular, Tom Marson was a great help. Robert can be reached at rcflyerbob@bellsouth.net
Updated 3/13/03 Photo in flight over Arizona
