The Star Kite

The bracing string, G, is added next. Thin strong string, knotted at one end is used. Thread it through the hole at the end of D (Fig. 7). Pass it in turn over the ends of the cross-struts. Bring it back to where you started. Bind it round the strut end once or twice and tie at the first knot. Strips of insulating tape neatly applied, will hold the string in place in their grooves. Apply tape also where the string crosses the main frame A. Keep the string taut, but do not pull the framework out of shape. Note that the bracing lies on the underside of the frame A.

The inner strings, G and H, come on the top side of the frame­work. They go from corner to corner. As these are difficult tying places, a special method is used. Loops of string are made at the corners. To them the bracing string is attached by means of another loop (see Fig. 7). It will be realized that on the actual kite, these loops are drawn up and fastened securely.

The bridle is of string which is stouter than that used for the bracing. Four pieces are needed. Two are 1 ft. 9 in., and two, 2 ft. 11 in. in length. The tying points on the framework are indicated by asterisks. These points have been chosen to improve the stability of the kite and also because they represent the strongest parts of the framework and so are the obvious points to take up the strain in flying the kite. The shorter strings are fastened at the top points. The method of securing the strings to the framework is shown in detail at I (Fig. 7). J (Fig. 7) shows actual length of bridle strings when they are tied.

Next cover the framework with unbleached greaseproof paper. First attend to the small triangles formed by the ends of the cross-struts and the bracing. Cut four pieces, measuring 8 in. at the base and 41/4 in. high, narrowing to a point. Glue these to the top sides of A; also to the cross-struts, and wrap over the strings. The main cover is 1 ft. 51/2 in. square and is glued to the sides of A. Turn the kite over and glue strips of paper to the underside, over the strings G and H.

The result should be a secure, well-stretched cover, and with this type of kite, this should not be difficult to achieve, as the framework is all on one level, and is not bowed.