Kitecraft : $b and kite tournaments — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
Kitecraft : $b and kite tournaments
John Stuart Mill · en
A similar combination can be made with the square box-kite on the
diagonal with straight surfaces out to each side, as shown in Fig. 95.
Besides the four vertical sticks, there are four horizontal pieces
of the so as to be nearer horizontal. This kite can be modified by
a lower horizontal two-thirds down of the same length as the upper
horizontal, as in same length and one short brace placed centrally in
each cell to keep the fore and back sticks apart. The short braces
can be notched to slip into place and on being removed will let the
kite down flat. This kite will need to be more rigid than the one
just described. A hexagonal box-kite could be made with side wings by
extending one of the braces at each end, Fig. 96, and the pentagonal
form could be similarly modified. Fig. 97 has a little different plan
of extension that looks more like wings. A triangular box-kite is used
as the main structure to build on. Three long sticks are required with
four short braces on each side, eight in all, with eight wing sticks,
four long and four shorter, that are attached to an inner long stick
of the box-like portion and extend across to the short brace of the
opposite side. When a pair of the extension sticks are fastened to
place, they are lashed together at their crossing point. The slanting
extensions are strongly built and add poise to the kite.
[Illustration: FIG. 94.]
The poise of a rectangular kite may be increased by the addition of
slant extensions. The extension pieces start from the lower corner
pieces, pass under the upper corner pieces, lashing fast at both
places, Fig. 98. If a little variety in outline is desired, split
bamboo or reed could be used to make such forms as are desired; even
string connections can be made.
In making hollow form objects both patience and skill are necessary. A
form that is interesting but not representative of any real object is
shown in Fig. 99. Another is the arrow kite, Fig. 100. The flying bird
kite should make a good problem for some ingenious chap. The framework
and stringing is shown in Fig. 101. The cross-section of the body of
the bird is about the shape of a tailless kite. The plan gives such
good bracing construction that very light material may be used. Four
feet would be a good length for this kite. The soaring bird, Fig. 102,
is quite similar in construction to the preceding kite. The body is
never square in cross-section. A little bow is given to the tip ends of
the wings. The back line of the wing changes by means of an extra cord.
This kite is not as stable as “The flying Bird.”
[Illustration: FIG. 95.]