By Leslie Hunt
FIG. 11.
FRAME AND TAIL ATTACHMENT OF THREE-STICK KITE
Prepare two sticks 1/4 inch wide and 26 inches long, and a third stick the same width and 22 inches long. Slit or notch all ends and start wrapping. Cross the long sticks forming a narrow "X" making the distance from the shorter end of the "X" to the center of the intersection 9 1/2 inches. Lay the sticks in this position on a table with the shorter end of the "X" toward you.
Have the ends of the sticks flush with the edge of the table. Lay on the short stick parallel to the edge of the table so its center falls over the center of the intersection of the legs of the "X." Without disturbing, apply glue and tie snugly. Now spread the short ends of the "X" so the sticks will be 8 inches apart at the top, from center to center. This spreading will tighten the joint. Keep the short stick parallel to the edge of the table, lay books on the frame to hold it in position, and frame the kite. Adjust to the dimensions shown in Figure 11, this time measuring along the framing string between the sticks.
Some kite makers prefer to lay the cross stick a little above or below the intersection of the long sticks. This plan is a good one for large kites, but it is hardly necessary for one this size.
Finish the wrapping of the stick ends, paper the kite, and let it dry. It is not advisable to use an elastic bridle on these kites, as two rubber bands would be required and it is difficult to get them to pull together. The loops A to D, and B to E are 33 inches long when finished. The horizontal loop is about 30 inches in length. For attaching the bridle, follow the directions given for the Two Stick Kite.
Let the towing point lie in the center line of the kite about 10 inches from its surface and over a point about 6 3/4 inches from the top.
The tail may be double, a piece fastened to each leg of the "X," but I prefer connecting the legs with a loop of string and fastening the tail to the middle of the loop. This plan throws the movements of the tail farther from the center of the kite and makes it fly steadier.
FIG. 12.
EDGE VIEW OF THREE-STICK
KITE
The above kite rated .47 ounce per square foot (See discussion of ratings at end of the Two Stick Kite. It had, therefore, the same rating as the two-stick kite, and was fully as good a flier.
