PLAIN SURFACE KITES.
Fig. 22. [↑]
Fig. 23. [↑]
Fig. 24. [↑]
Fig. 25. [↑]
The tailless continues to be the most popular of all the kites. No matter how artistic, how representative, how curious, or how mechanical the new kites may be, the tailless is the first and last out every season. It flies in a very light breeze, and is so steady in the air. There are several kinds of tailless, but the two stick Eddy Kite seems to be the winner. These kites are made from five inches to thirty feet in height. This kite, Figs. [8] and [22], has two sticks of equal length, the vertical stick is called the spine, and should be straight, while the bow is placed about one-fifth the distance down from the top of the spine. This bow stick is bent backward by inserting a brace stick as shown by [Fig. 23]. The advantage of a removable brace stick will be recognized when a person tries to carry several kites to a field at one time. If the brace stick is out, the kites lie flat and do not injure each other, so that twenty-five or more might be carried by one person, but if the kite is bowed, there may be great difficulty in carrying two or three. Most boys bow about three inches for a three-foot kite. See [Chapter 1] for the stringing of this kite.
The tailless kites are nearly all constructed so as to have a keel projecting out to the front. In order that the keel may be of more service, the covering is not stretched tight, but is left loose. Perhaps an inch along each side would be allowed for bagging or pocketing. See Chapter I on covering. If the covering is drawn tight, the kite will dodge and will probably dive to destruction.
Fig. 26. [↑]
Fig. 27. [↑]
Fig. 28. [↑]
Fig. 29. [↑]
Now we can modify this type form of kite. We can use two spines and two bows, [Fig. 24]. In this kite the upper bow should be bent more than the lower, and the bridle will be of more service if attached to the upper bow at two points about midway from spine to end of bow. The covering should not be quite so loose on this kite as on [Fig. 22] but should not be tight. Another variation is given in [Fig. 25], in which two spines are used and one bow. Sometimes the spines are crossed as shown in [Fig. 26], the distance being much greater at the bottom than at the top between the ends of the spine sticks. A modification of the last two is shown in [Fig. 27], in which a built out keel is shown. Two small braces project from the bottom of each spine with a third stick connecting their meeting place with the center of the bow stick.
Fig. 30. [↑]
Fig. 31.
Fig. 32. [↑]
Fig. 33. [↑]
Still one other combination is a form that can be used as a foundation for many outline shapes. It is shown in [Fig. 28], and has two spines and two bows; but where much modification is made, a tail or other balancers must be used. A kite with a broken bow is like a bird with a broken wing, but if broken in the center it can be redeemed for service by the addition of a cross-stick, as shown in [Fig. 29]. The broken part should be well lashed together. A kite could be successfully planned in this way from the beginning. It is possible to make a number of geometric or representative forms as tailless kites, but representative forms as a rule need tails.
Fig. 34. [↑]
Fig. 35. [↑]
The shield, [Fig. 30], is one of the tailless kites and the writer succeeded very well with a two bowed tailless in the shape of a six pointed star. See [Fig. 32].
Perhaps the largest group in real variation is that in which kites with tails or other forms of balances are found. And first and foremost, comes our grandfathers’ old English bow kite, [Fig. 18], having a bow that curves upward, but not backward, over the end of a single spine. Tassels were added at each side of the kite at the termination of each end of the bow, and a long tail of rolled papers tied to a string with a cloth hanging at the end was attached to the bottom of the spine.
Fig. 36. [↑]
The great class of star kites, with varying numbers of points, and the geometric, hexagonal, octagonal, and other forms belong to this group. A three string bridle is most satisfactory for most of these forms. The two upper strings of bridle should be the same length but shorter than the lower string. The latter should be attached at a central point at the bottom. In case there is no stick to anchor to at the center of the bottom, four strings may be necessary or two longer ones may be used at the bottom and one shorter one at the top. However the bridle is attached, the shorter strings are always at the top, and the single string must be centrally located to right and left, whether at the top or bottom, and the double portions on equal distances to each side of center line.
Fig. 37. [↑]
The bridle for a single spine and bow tailless is something attached at top and bottom of spine, or at the intersection of bow and spine, and at bottom of spine. In either case the bridle should be long enough so that when stretched out to the side of the kite while attached at the two points named, it will just reach out to the end of the bow; and at this point the kite line is attached; see [Fig. 13]. Fig. 33 shows a hexagonal kite. The same framework could be covered as a star kite, [Fig. 34]. There may be any number of points to a star kite, but most boys make the six-pointed ones. Sometimes the points are arranged as in [Fig. 35], and again as in [Fig. 33]. [Fig. 36] shows a very interesting tail for smaller star kites. [Fig. 37] has another arrangement of stars for the tail. [Fig. 38] shows a pentagonal kite and its construction. The bridle might be attached at one upper point and the two lower points. Fig. [39] shows an addition to the six-pointed star, in the shape of a crescent. Note that two sticks are longer, extending across the crescent, thus giving more rigidity to the surface. The outline of the crescent was made of split bamboo. In a similar manner, a broad circle could be formed about [Fig. 38]. See [38a].
Fig. 38. [↑]
Fig. 38a. [↑]
Fig. 39. [↑]
Fig. 40. [↑]
Star and hexagonal kites are not the only members of the regular shapes with tails. The Japanese square kite, [Fig. 40], which is usually rectangular in shape, has a vertical spine, two diagonal spines, and several horizontal ribs that are lighter in weight than the spines. The larger the kite, the more horizontal ribs will be required. By making removable spines the kites can be rolled up and the Japanese have exhibited some very beautiful ones that have been imported. Some of these cost as high as $30.00 or more. The two long ropelike tails swinging in graceful, parallel curves give a beautiful effect to the whole kite. The bridle is usually attached at many places on this kite.
Fig. 40a. [↑]
Regular forms of kites are many. In [Fig. 41] the circle is of reed or split bamboo. It would be well to fasten the bridle at four points. [Fig. 42] needs no special explanation as the construction is similar to [Fig. 41]. The balloon kite is another modification. The ship kites, Figs. [43], [44], [45], [45a], show the construction in the drawing. A piece of pasteboard is used for the hull. They make pretty kites.
Figs. 41, 42. [↑]
Fig. 46. [↑]
Fig. 43. [↑]
Fig. 44. [↑]
Fig. 45. [↑]
Fig. 45.a [↑]
The irregular forms are more representative, and to many, more interesting, because with patience and ingenuity almost any form can be made to float in the air. Soaring birds, [Fig. 46], are attractive and their construction is unique. Split bamboo is mostly used for the framework. The Chinese boys take small strips of the Chinese tissue paper to lash the pieces of frame together. It is very light and if twisted while wet, becomes tight and strong when dry. The covering is also of Chinese tissue and colored with a water color brush. A group of about five of these kites is very interesting when soaring about on high. A pleasing modification is an ingenious tail attachment that is hinged to the body so that the tail drops and is raised again by the breeze, giving the appearance of fluttering when a little distance away. [Fig. 47] is a photograph of three that were flown at one time and were mistaken by many for real birds, while [Fig. 48] is a photograph of a pair with fluttering tails. In each picture the back of one bird is shown. In [Fig. 47] the birds are flat but in [Fig. 48] the bodies are rounded out, giving a keel to the kite. This is done by making a light framework of small split bamboo. Notice the little patches of paper on the back that hold the string, allowing the edge of the covering to float and flutter as feathers. The bridle attachment may be two strings, as in [Fig. 13], and may be three, as in [Fig. 14]. A set piece is shown in [Fig. 49], with an American flag fluttering as a balancer. This makes a very beautiful kite when enough time is put on it to make the bird stand out clear and real in appearance. One boy cut papers and stuck on to a background for feathers and while he succeeded well it is not necessary and not as effective as a few good strokes with a water color brush.
Butterflies offer a great variety in design and color, the best results being obtained by pasting the striking colors over the general covering. A more permanent kite can be made by using the Chinese tissue with strong water colors, and it is more a work of art. A kite thirty inches across, made of bamboo and Chinese paper will last for years if it has good care. Butterfly kites have been made to fly without tails but nearly all need one. Two drawings are shown, [Fig. 50] shows the double tail of ribbon and button of cardboard at bottom. The body is curved like the bird form, [Fig. 48], and the edge of the wing is scalloped but the waves are longer than for feathers. A Chinese boy made this and placed a small silk Chinese flag on one side of the head and a like American flag on the other. The antennae were pieces of small reed with silk balls that are sometimes used in ornamenting draperies and gowns.
Fig. 47. [↑]
Fig. 48. [↑]
Fig. 49. [↑]
Fig. 49a.
Fig. 50. [↑]
Fig. 51.
Animal Forms. The animals are not limited to bears, but horses, elephants, etc., can be outlined in kite forms. [Fig. 52] shows a standing bear with little bears swinging between ropes as balancers for the large bear. The ropes in the kite may be strips of cambric. Small strips of wood should cross from one rope to the other back of the little bears which are made of medium thick cardboard. The bridle can be attached from the bear’s shoulders to the bottom of the spine stick. The bridle is attached only to the large bear.
Fig. 52. [↑]
Fig. 53. [↑]
A horse carrying a knight in armor, or horses hitched to a chariot, would take much planning but are within reach. An elephant with splendid equipment of royal hangings would make a gorgeous appearance. When difficult problems of this kind are attempted it should be by kite makers of experience as much adjusting will be necessary, and plans for framework will be needed that will give rigidity and lightness. Some parts in a complex design will need stiffening with reed bent out and around from the framework. Sometimes a small outline may be effected by means of stiff paper and again a string may be stretched from some distant stick of the framework so as to carry the covering out to certain lines. By careful planning some very complicated forms can be worked out. In the mounted knight, [Fig. 53], the nose of the horse will be a straight stick, but the upper line of neck and lower part of head will be bent reed, and of good weight. The raised knee and foot are reed, while the under side of neck changes from the line of the breast by means of a string. The back of the foreleg on the ground is of string, while the extension of the stirrup might be of stiff paper. Much can be done with the brush. For instance, the dropping down of the rump to the tail would be curved, let the outline run angular, then with a heavy streak of color, give form. A little silver paper on the armor will spice it up wonderfully.
We might consider a mechanical model, an electric coupe, [Fig. 54]. The tires may be somewhat exaggerated and stationary, while the inside spokes and hub could be in the form of a small windmill so as to turn around, giving the effect of running. In such case, the fans should be so turned as to turn the wheels in the same direction. By the use of a double bridle and two kite lines, it would be possible to cause the auto to travel across the sky. Electric cars and locomotives might be similarly made and manipulated.
Fig. 54. [↑]
Fig. 55. [↑]
When reed or bamboo are to be bent for some very particular form, it might be well to lay it out on a board with brads on each side, leaving it to dry. In this way a truer form may be secured. Bamboo can be bent into shape by a little heating over a flame.
Fig. 56. [↑]
Fig. 57. [↑]
Fig. 58. [↑]
The human kite has all the possibilities of caricature in it, and there are some very funny attempts. “Just Boy,” [Fig. 55], is a good one, and “Foxy Grandpa” is popular. [Fig. 56] is the “Squared Chinaman”. The “Clown and Donkey,” [Fig. 57], is rather easy, being a combination of three tailless kites. The “Dutch Girl” makes a good kite, also “Me Happy,” [Fig. 58]. In these as in the previous sub-group, much of the effect is dependent on skilful handling of brush, after the kite has been constructed. The flying depends much on the attachment of bridle and balancers.