Page:Kitecraft and kite tournaments (1914).djvu/46

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kitecraft and kite tournaments

side 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.

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.

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.