Date:	Fri, 5 Nov 1993 01:37:20 -1000
From:	tom@minster.york.ac.uk
Message-Id: <752499439.2895@minster.york.ac.uk>
Organization: Department of Computer Science, University of York, England
Subject: Cicada design question

Hi Folks,

I posted this question last week but it didn't seem to appear
on the net, so I'm reposting.  Sorry in advance if you've already
seen it.

I'm planning to make the Cicada kite (Phantom clone) from the
Dutch Stunt Kite book - "Stunt Kites to make and Fly".  However,
I've been told that the design is slightly wrong in that the
leading edge curvature of the plan is too severe, and will result
in an overly billowed sail.  The design suggests a bend at the
end of the leading edge spar (which is 165cm long) of 13cm from
the straight position.  It's been suggested to me that a more
appropriate bend would be about 7cm.

This is a big kite, and I'm sure that these figures would produce
a big difference in the final kite.  I don't want to get it wrong!
Can anybody comment on this leading edge bend, or has anybody made
the Gizmo/Cicada to spec and found it okay?  Any help appreciated.

Whilst I'm on the subject on Phantom kites, I must share a quick word
of praise for Tim Benson's outfit, Fizz Kites.  My girlfriend recently
bought his latest design - The Tempo.  A really nice kite, both the
finish and to fly.  Having had it a couple of weeks tho' she noticed
a couple of spars were starting to crack.  The kite has had no crashes
and VERY gentle use (she treats it with kid gloves!), so she phoned
Fizz kites to ask about buying new spars.  To her surprise they
offered to replace the spars free of charge, accepting her word that
the kite had not been flown badly. They also asked her to return the
kite for them to look at should she have any more problems.  Needless
to say, we were both very impressed with this level of service.

I have no connection to Fizz kites, other than as a happy customer.

One last thing, has anybody flown the NBK kite?  Love to hear what
people think of it.

Thanks,

tom.

_____________________________________________________________________
 Tom Jackson,			       * One thing about intellectuals,
 Advanced Computer Architecture Group, * they proved that they can be
 Dept. of Computer Science,   	       * absolutely brilliant and have
 University of York, Heslington,       * no idea what's going on. 
 YORK. YO1 5DD.  UK.		       *     Woody Allen 'Annie Hall'

 Tel:     [044] (0904) 432760			
 e-mail:  tom@minster.york.ac.uk			
_____________________________________________________________________


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