Date: Wed, 2 Mar 1994 23:48:30 -1000 From: higham_t@lincoln.gpsemi.com Message-Id: Organization: GPS Lincoln Subject: Advice for a Novice I have had great fun over the past two years flying a straight forward two line diamond shaped kite, but would now like to progress a bit. I also like the idea of making my own kites. Could someone tell me whether there are any anonymous ftp sites with kite designs and recommend a good first kite to make which would take me one step further than a standard diamond shape. In addition where, in the United Kingdom, can I get the necessary materials for kite making? I live on the East Coast of England where winds are typically 5 to 10 MPH and frequently a bit more than that. Thanks in advance. Tim Higham = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 3 Mar 1994 02:54:10 -1000 From: billl@essex.ac.uk (Longley W R C) Message-Id: <24821.9403031254@libtsun.essex.ac.uk> Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University Subject: Advice for a Novice Hello, Tim Welcome to the ancient and honourable company of kite makers! Kite shops are numerous now in the U.K. For kite materials, may I suggest two for a start: Cannock Kites, 6 Church St., Bridgtown, Cannock, Staffs, WS11 3DB (Tel. 0543 573171) are a good source for ripstop nylon, cheap Kiteability, 2 Garfield R., Enfield, Middx., EN3 4RP (Tel. 081 804 9080) unlike most other kite shops, are largely devoted to materials rather than readymade kites If you're really into kites, the Kite Society membership is only 8 pounds a year for 4 magazines etc. which will direct you to shops, festivals, local groups etc.: PO Box 2274, Great Horkesley, Colchester, Essex. CO6 4AY ftp sites. I expect you will get millions of postings shortly telling you of ftp.Hawaii.Edu directory /pub/rec/kites for all sorts of info Personally, I would think for plans of kites, there is no substitute for a decent book with scale drawings etc. ; recent authors include Ron Moulton, Jim Rowlands, Maxwell Eden Happy making and flying, Bill Longley = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =