Fractured Axel

FINALLY got my hands on a Cambridge Combat! £25 off eBay, and I was the only bidder. New, so today was the first time it flew after spending 35-40 years in its package. Responds well for a kite from the 1970s, but does need a decent wind (>10mph) to fly and steer properly.

Perhaps it is too lacking in image to sell to every Tom,Dick or Harry for a silly price.

Interesting 'bridle'. How does it fly in comparison to a classic Peter Powell?

How does it fly in comparison to a classic Peter Powell?

Tighter turns especially. Feels quite nimble on the lines, sometimes a bit twitchy, but does need a decent pressure on the sail. Without that, it becomes very difficult to steer. It actually flew better than I imagined it would. And don't try to trick it

What's it made of? I'm guessing balsa wood and some sort of light material.
Makes you think how times and materials have moved in the past 70 years

Spine is mostly aluminium, spreaders mostly wood; some plastic bits in the nose. Sail is some sort of plastic, similar to what you see on an original Peter Powell, but a bit thinner.

And yes, that's part of the fun for me: fly kites from the dawn of dual-line flying, and see how things have changed!

Could you post some pictures of some of your older kites please, think it would be good to see the roots/heritage of what we fly today, if that's ok mate you could tell us a little history about the pics

Some pics here. Ask away if you need more info!

That Davis rescue star is amazing, never seen a kite like that, an them plane kites were they used as a target??

Harvey1 wrote:

That Davis rescue star is amazing, never seen a kite like that, an them plane kites were they used as a target??

Where are you seeing that, all I'm getting is a 'homepage' with links to pages of links and I've run out of patience.

@Stan Doff: The album is set to 'public', so not sure why you can't access it ...

@Harvey1: As to those kites with plane silhouettes: yes, the originals were used for target practice by gunners on boats; see this web-site for much more information.