On last Thursday, at the Aldred Building on SAIT’s Campus, there was a buzz of activity and excitement as the Manufacturing and Automation Students had an opportunity to pitch their designs for one of the last projects of their second and last year. Over twenty “Capstone” projects representing innovative and creative designs by these mechanically inclined young minds were on display during the final round of their presentations. These inventions, aimed at bettering technology, ranged from a fishing reel manufactured through a 3D printer to aids for improvements for patient comfort during radiation treatments.
Among the many innovative and creative designs, one in particular had members of the Historical Foundation ecstatic. This was the tank and deck design for the 1952 Fire Truck restoration currently in progress. SAIT Students Tyler Reeve and Andrew Quapp had undertaken the challenge to come up with a tank design that would combine an authentic feel and be of practical use by the Foundation. SAIT instructor and local resident Ted Nelson took the idea to his students and these young men stepped up to the challenge.
They took into consideration the original design while making structural changes that would allow the truck to carry passengers for such events as our fall parade. Reeve said it was a great first project. “I enjoyed working on a project where we were all sharing ideas and experiencing such cooperation. Also it not being a money maker felt good to me.”
Reeve’s partner in the venture, Quapp was equally enthusiastic about their work. Quapp, who as a child loved to build fire trucks with Lego, enjoyed the fact that this was done for a community organization. Quapp also said, “I love antique cars and appreciate their visual style and originality, something I think is lost in the new vehicles.” Having this opportunity was a nice fit for both his interests and talents.
These projects brought members of the Industry together with students with many finding job opportunities such as Reeve who will be working with Summit Earth Liability Solutions in his home province of Saskatchewan. He was offered a position at this presentation. Quapp, an avid golfer, will continue working part time on his passion for custom club building while looking for work in his field. He hopes to see the work in progress while keeping in touch with Zane Southgate over the summer.
The display board generated for the project will make its way to Chestermere where residents can get a firsthand look at what’s in store for our fire truck in the near future. Kudos to these young men for their contribution to our towns ongoing drive to preserve our history.
