Page:Kitecraft and kite tournaments (1914).djvu/128

120 spliced at the center of the long sides, being soldered at this point. The ends of the wire lap over an inch or more. There are but two ribs which are 5″ from the outer ends. The ribs have a slight curve upward, most of it being near the free edge of the plane, Fig. 243. The ends of the ribs are bent at a right angle and are soldered to the outside framework of wire. The cover of the plane is made of prepared silk and is made ″ larger all around than the size of the outline of the wire frame. A ″ hem is then turned which gives strength to the edge. The cover is now over cast with needle and thread to the framework, stretching fairly tight.

The framework of the large plane is not secured directly to the wooden framework of the model, but is soldered to wire loops that in turn lie flat on top of the spines of the frame, Fig. 242, a, a. This gives opportunity to tie with string so as to try out the model. If it is too far forward, it can be slipped back and vice versa; when the correct position is located, it is permanently wired to the wooden framework. The fore plane is attached by means of rubber string. This is known as the Mann monoplane, and is a commercial product.

The propellers will be further discussed in the next chapter.