DRAWING

The drawing will be put on this page when it's finished. Don't know when that will be!

In fact, for experienced kite makers, there's hardly a need for a plan - especially if you have a good look at the pictures of the clowns already made. As previously mentioned, the kite is basically a hexagon with a wide tail. In some kites the vertical stick extends only from the top of the kite to the centre and not right across the hexagon.

A rod, which is easily seen in the pictures, is used to keep the hands apart.
Except for the Ghost, all the kites have a loop tail. This tail does more than just add drag. The "feet" of the clowns are attached to the tail. Then, when the tail moves, a sort of dancing effect is produced. (Dennis has his knees attached as well.)

The original clown, made by John Southerton, has the head attached to the body by five tapes to give a gap of about 50mm. In contrast, the other makers have sewn the head and body together. We don't know if this makes any difference.

The Ghost kite by Dennis Roberts is a little bit different. Not only does it not have a looped tail, but the rod (mentioned above) is fitted with a dihedral piece. This feature is clearly visible from the picture. However, this kite still qualifies!

Here are some measurements for the original clown.
Head: Height 807mm, Width 706mm
Body: Length 1180, Width (to outside of hands) 740mm
Bridle: Three leg as for normal hexagon.  Top legs, 630mm. Lower leg, 700mm

All new clown-type kites will be at least slightly different from each other, but the measurements above may be used as a rough guide for anyone making this sort of kite.

When shall we have the first Clown Kite Convention?

J Jordan