As made by Mr Gilbert Lacroix of Ottawa.
Last month I was back in Canada and paid a couple of to Fr Fred. During the multiple-subject conversations, we arrived at possibility of making replacement parts for Aristocraft models, and he suggested that I send an example, via his address, of the ultra-fragile sun-shades of the Aristocraft Dash 9 to our friend Gilbert LaCroix, famous here for his moves into the world of 3D printing and resin components. Like many owners of these fine models, the downside is the extreme fragility of the sunshades and their pathetic locating pins. Like many other model railroaders, I have finally run out of these bits to use as replacements.
Having received my sole remaining example - for a BNSF loco, Gilbert, using his older model printer, quickly produced a CAD drawing for me to see and then, in this morning’s mail, came the real thing. Thankfully, not only are the locating pins somewhat more substantial than the weedy originals, but the item itself appears to be fashioned from a material which will probably prove to be more resilient than the OMP. Gilbert notes that these parts were actually built up vertically, using a so-called SLA process that builds up small parts such as those used by dentists and jewellers. Although the parts can be very precise in their delineation, they can also, if they are tall like these sunshades, be susceptible to slight changes in shape during the build-up process. Perhaps I should mention that this particular process does not use a plastic filament, but actually build up the material in liquid plastic that is set by the application of ultra-violet light.
Gilbert’s new machine, however uses a filament plastic that will enable him the make larger parts.
He also tells me that he is very interest in undertaking more cooperative ventures like this- I have to say that it can only be good for the hobby and to the benefit of us all here.
So, Gilbert- a big thank you from me, and from Fred for bringing us together!
Best wishes to all here.
tac