A railway signaller is using his spare time to create PPE for care workers on his 3D printer during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Gary Knight is a Network Rail signaller in Barrow-in-Furness. When he learned about the PPE shortage for care workers in the UK, Gary knew something had to be done. Gary and his wife, Anita, have been creating protective visors for care workers, allowing them to stay safe at work.

The frame for the visor is created on the 3D printer, then Gary and Anita attach a clear plastic sheet to create the protective screen.

Initially, Gary was funding the project with money from working overtime shifts, but to keep up with the demand, he can’t take on as much extra work.

That was when fellow signaller Mark McGrath created a fundraising page to help Gary buy the equipment he needs.

The money raised has helped Gary produce over 1500 visors so far and funded two more printers to increase production.

If you wish to donate to Gary’s fundraiser, you can find it here.

What did they say?

Gary Knight, Network Rail relief signaller, said:

“I first got into 3D printing about three years ago. Usually, I 3D print radio control model planes which is my hobby.

“I started making visors when I watched a news report about people in care homes dying from coronavirus and finding out the staff didn’t have enough PPE. I knew I could do something to help that would be simple but effective.”

Where Next?

RailAdvent Plus
   Get image downloads, Prints and Streaming Video
News Homepage
   For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
   Framed Prints, DVD’s / Blu-Ray’s and more
LocoStop Community
   Come and share your railway pictures
Mainline Steam Info
   Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements
Network Rail
   Visit their website