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.