All five kites had been reframed with SLE verticals and Revolution 4 wrap horizontals. This project was to replace the horizontals with SLE rods.

The spars to be used were sent by Martin Lester, excess stock from a project that was not realised.

They were mostly the same length but some had lost ferrules in one end.

The late Delta benefitted from replacement spreaders as well.

There was a weight difference of 50g but when two of the kites were test flown if wass immediately apparent that the stiffer spars had an immediate response to line input which meant that the kites could be pulled to altitude much more quickly!

I had remembered taking photos of the steps in making the spar lengths and immediately forgotten the details. Extension end ferrules were needed adding 4cm to each end spar.

Strengthening the ends of the spars which would be located in the hard end caps seemed to be a 'good idea' but the impact on the overall spar strength is not known.

A supply of additional ferrules arrived during last week so today Monday 20th July a further two sets of ferrule ends have been cut and glued.

On the bench as well are the measured joining sleeves for the Four Diamonds 1995 replacement frame in 1cm Exel rods.

Two sets of outers and two middle spar sets. Another pair for the fifth kite will be made!

The glue was trimmed and the ends taped and colour coded.

Some video was captured of one of the first flights with the new frame, 21st June 2026, Blackheath