Date: Wed, 13 Apr 1994 04:11:17 -1000 From: reich@nosc.mil (Ronald S. Reich) Message-Id: <9404131411.AA09858@cod> Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University Subject: Re: spin off in a train Date: Tue, 12 Apr 1994 18:05:02 GMT From: aschuit@inter.nl.net (A.M.N. Schuit) Subject: spin off in a train Kees Bos Writes: >This is my first measaage on a news group and I want to know how >I can fly my two spin-offs in a train. I made them together by >four wires of 1,5 meter. But when I fly them it goes a lot >slower. Does anyone know how I can do this in a better way ?? Hi Kees, Welcome to the net. First, of all the Spin-offs should be hooked together (trained) with 5 lines. One from each of the leading edge connectors and the 5th one from the bottom of the center spine. (Tee connector) Second, the length of the train lines should all be equal length at 800f the length of the leading edge. When you get my book, it will show you how to tie the train lines to be equal length. Third, In most cases the bridle setting should be moved toward the nose about 1/4 inch. I hope this helps. If you have any problems let me know and I'll see what else I can do. Smooth Winds and Tight Lines, Ron Reich = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 12 Apr 1994 08:05:02 -1000 From: aschuit@inter.nl.net (A.M.N. Schuit) Message-Id: Organization: NLnet Subject: spin off in a train Hi, This is my first measaage on a news group and I want to know how I can fly my two spin-offs in a train. I made them together by four wires of 1,5 meter. But when I fly them it goes a lot slower. Does anyone know how I can do this in a better way ?? (I know my English is very bad) Kees Bos The Netherlands = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 13 Apr 1994 11:13:49 -1000 From: mgraves@leadingedg.win.net (Michael Graves) Message-Id: <291@leadingedg.win.net> Subject: Re: spin off in a train In article , A.M.N. Schuit (aschuit@inter.NL.net) writes: >Hi, > >This is my first measaage on a news group and I want to know how I can >fly my two spin-offs in a train. >I made them together by four wires of 1,5 meter. But when I fly them it >goes a lot slower. >Does anyone know how I can do this in a better way ?? >(I know my English is very bad) Trains usually fly slower than a single kite. You should probably use a fifth line between the T-joints of the kites. The 1.5m train lines might be a little short, as a rule the train lines should be the same length as the leading edge of the kite. Michael Graves = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 14 Apr 1994 05:10:29 -1000 From: russh@lib.wfunet.wfu.edu (Russ Hundley) Message-Id: <2ojmd5$4nk@quad.wfunet.wfu.edu> Organization: Wake Forest University Subject: Re: spin off in a train A.M.N. Schuit (aschuit@inter.NL.net) wrote: : Hi, : This is my first measaage on a news group and I want to know how I can : fly my two spin-offs in a train. : I made them together by four wires of 1,5 meter. But when I fly them it : goes a lot slower. : Does anyone know how I can do this in a better way ?? : (I know my English is very bad) : Kees Bos : The Netherlands Hi, Kees. I started stacking two spin-offs about a year ago. The first step is to remove the bridle from the rearmost kite in the stack to reduce weight and drag. When I first stacked the spin-offs, I wasn't sure I wanted to make one kite an "add-on" kite, and left the bridle on my back kite. After a few flights, I was hooked on stacking, and removed the rear bridle. I was really suprised at the performance increase I got simply by removing that bridle. Your train lines might be a bit short. A good rule of thumb is to make your train lines the same length as the leading edge of the kites you are stacking. In the case of the spin-off, that comes to about 165 cm. I use five lines to stack the kites, one each where the upper and lower spreaders connect to the leading edge, and one at the vinyl/aluminum "T" connection at the bottom of the spine. A key to stacking kites is in the bridle adjustment of the lead kite. For each kite you add to the stack, you'll need to move your swivels up the main bridle line about .75 cm. This adjustment pulls the nose of the trailing kite further into the wind, and negates some of the turbulence coming off of your lead kite. The spin-off is bridled a bit heavy to begin with, so don't be afraid to take your swivels up as much as 2cm in order to increase your speed. You may not get all the speed you want, but bear in mind that in stacking the kites, you've doubled the weight, mass and drag of your equipment. Be aware, also, that the kites will stall more readily with the swivels too high up. Don't forget to fly on strong lines! I fly my stack with at least 135kg spectra lines. Since I'm a light weight person, I also always use a harness to help deal with the enormous pull the stack generates. Don't be afraid to drop your lines if you get into trouble flying this stack. I know from experience that the spin-offs will fall to the ground pretty quickly without tension on the lines. It's easier to repair a broken spar than a broken bone! Russ Hundley russh@lib.wfunet.wfu.edu = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =