I guess even if a kite looks like another kite it does not need to be a copy of that kite. Despite what some people might think. That would seem to fly in the face of what some people think.
I'm a little confused by this statement and would enjoy clarification.
In the case of the two kites posted above, I would characterize the resemblance as only being that they are cellular kites with a two cells between the longerons. Outside the longerons, as well as the vertical symmetry, structure, etc, is completely different on the two kites. Hmmmm....
THe fact that the first one is a cody inspired design is obvious, but I agree with you that they are different kites. It's still a sweet looking kite. WHat Tcope is saying if I understand him is just because it looks similar doesn't mean its the same.
Having designed Extensivity (the first kite I posted a picture of) I can say unequivocally that a Cody was nowhere even *near* the radar in the design process. If anything, it's closer to a Saul's Barrage Kite. But it evolved in drawing form from another more basic design of mine I call the CaloCo. Oh well. No biggie, really.
Cheers!
Ah yes I forget about sauls barrage kite
http://www.sysmatrix.net/~mikenchico/Sauls.htm but even his was based off Hargraves Kite
http://kitehistory.com/Miscellaneous/Hargrave.htm which was inspired by Cody's kite's and Alexander grahm bells wing esperiments. As holds true with most anything, good ideas inspire other good ideas. Its a gorgeous kite, you obviously put a lot of work into it and it's definitely something to be proud of.
BAck to the original topic. Just get the machine if you can afford it and have fun building projects. Ultimately its the satisfaction of making something yourself that is all worth it.
