|
Now glue and insert small blocks to fill up the gaps between this strip and the curved canes. Then bind the canes and the strips together with stout thread. See I (Fig. 14) for details. This device will prevent undue movement of the wings in flight.
The next stage is to cover the framework, where required. A glance at J (Fig. 14) will make this clear. Use paper which is light but strong (unbleached greaseproof is recommended). This is generally obtained in sheets measuring 20 in. x 30 in. First join two of them together with thin glue down the centre. Lay the framework on the paper and make an outline with a soft grade pencil. Add a margin of 2 in. all round for overlapping and cut out. Make slits in the margin. This will help when pasting the cover down. Cut out the head and body in card, the thickness of a postcard (see J and K, Fig. 14). Decorate the covering in bright colours, using oil colours for permanence. These look well on foundations of aluminium paint. After these have dried, secure the covering to the framework, the margins overlapping the canes and inner strings. Try to obtain a taut smooth surface. Add the head and body, using thin glue. Turn the kite over and glue strips 1 in. wide and 21/2 in. long, at intervals over the small centre curves, and to the cover, as indicated by L (Fig. 14). Two pipe cleaners are glued to the backbone, to stick out above the head, forming the antennae.
The bridle is attached in the form of a loop at the points marked (Fig. 14). Use strong string, 5 ft. in length. It is important to note that this string is looped round the backbone and tied over the centre junctions, Fig. 14 will make this clear. The loose loops are shown for the sake of detail. They must, of course, be tightened up on the kite itself. These tying positions are the strongest points at which to take up the strain imposed when flying the kite. Unless this rule is observed, the result might be a broken backbone. As will be seen, to attach the bridle, it is
necessary to pierce the covering. Do this carefully and glue small thin cardboard washers over the holes to strengthen material.
The kite string is attached to the bridle by means of a reef knot and a bowline knot. These permit of adjustments being made on the bridle to keep the kite at the best angle for successful flight. This is explained in more detail in Chapter 8.
A short tail about 5 ft. in length is required. Details for making these are given in 'Accessories'.
|
