Aurora Trik-Trak

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

While everyone was busy eating turkey, my family decided that it would be a better idea to celebrate Thanksgiving on a day other than Thursday, so I was in my room with my Aurora 98 cartridge/trik-trak pen.

 

One thing that is incredibly interesting to note is that earlier Trik-Traks have a translucent sac while the current ones have an opaque sac. I was very curious if the sac in the new Trik-Traks was actually latex or some synthetic material. So, I decided to take a few of the new Trik-Traks I had apart. In the process of doing so, I discovered that the new Trik-Traks do indeed use a latex sac. In fact, one of my Trik-Traks which was bought in the past month had a hardened sac. The Trik-Trak latex sac is odd in that it has internal ribbings to make ink flow better through it and the end is tapered to fit better. What I did then was prepare a bunch of brand new silicone sacs. I then replaced the latex sacs with silicone ones using a special glue to attach them to the black plastic connector in the Trik-Trak. Why not shellac? I chose this glue because I found that shellac is not as effective when bonding silicone sacs to certain slick plastic materials. Now, I have a bunch of new Trik-Traks with silicone sacs that I can check the ink level on. In addition, the feel of the press-bar is much improved. The press-bar now presses with a more distinct feel and fills more positively.

 

As always, pictures are good. On the top, you see two of the original tapered latex sacs. Directly below that, you see two finished Trik-Traks with silicone sacs. The one below them is just the outer shell. Trik-Traks use a floating metal bar that is somewhat hinged on the top. They don't use a spring loaded bar, so a good sac makes all the difference with the feel of the Trik-Trak. Next, you see the black plastic connector with a freshly glued silicone sac next to the original latex sac. Finally, at the bottom, you see my Aurora 98 with the older Trik-Trak from the 70's with the translucent ribbed sac.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8364/8292398727_67940f31f6_b.jpg

 

If you want me to do up your Trik-Trak like this, let me know, maybe we can work something out. Anyway, right now, I have a brand new Trik-Trak with a silicone sac installed in my Aurora 98. I just love my Trik-Traks now. I used to hate the new ones because they always felt odd and I never could tell how much ink was in it. Now, I can see my ink level, and the feel of filling the pen is much more positive.

 

Dillon

[Paul Raposo]

Dillon! Where were you when I was having an issue with my 98

 

Seriously though, great work on servicing those converters :clap1: If you ever decide to sell one, please PM me.

 

Edited to add: Does your cap post on the barrel easily, or does it not post?

Edited December 22, 2012 by Paul Raposo

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

I never post my pens, so I can't tell you whether it posts or not. It's an excellent pen though. I use it very often.

 

If you want, you can buy a few Trik-Traks and I can do this for you. Susanna at pens.it sells them.

 

Dillon

[Soer]

Hi,

 

While everyone was busy eating turkey, my family decided that it would be a better idea to celebrate Thanksgiving on a day other than Thursday, so I was in my room with my Aurora 98 cartridge/trik-trak pen.

 

One thing that is incredibly interesting to note is that earlier Trik-Traks have a translucent sac while the current ones have an opaque sac. I was very curious if the sac in the new Trik-Traks was actually latex or some synthetic material. So, I decided to take a few of the new Trik-Traks I had apart. In the process of doing so, I discovered that the new Trik-Traks do indeed use a latex sac. In fact, one of my Trik-Traks which was bought in the past month had a hardened sac. The Trik-Trak latex sac is odd in that it has internal ribbings to make ink flow better through it and the end is tapered to fit better. What I did then was prepare a bunch of brand new silicone sacs. I then replaced the latex sacs with silicone ones using a special glue to attach them to the black plastic connector in the Trik-Trak. Why not shellac? I chose this glue because I found that shellac is not as effective when bonding silicone sacs to certain slick plastic materials. Now, I have a bunch of new Trik-Traks with silicone sacs that I can check the ink level on. In addition, the feel of the press-bar is much improved. The press-bar now presses with a more distinct feel and fills more positively.

 

As always, pictures are good. On the top, you see two of the original tapered latex sacs. Directly below that, you see two finished Trik-Traks with silicone sacs. The one below them is just the outer shell. Trik-Traks use a floating metal bar that is somewhat hinged on the top. They don't use a spring loaded bar, so a good sac makes all the difference with the feel of the Trik-Trak. Next, you see the black plastic connector with a freshly glued silicone sac next to the original latex sac. Finally, at the bottom, you see my Aurora 98 with the older Trik-Trak from the 70's with the translucent ribbed sac.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8364/8292398727_67940f31f6_b.jpg

 

If you want me to do up your Trik-Trak like this, let me know, maybe we can work something out. Anyway, right now, I have a brand new Trik-Trak with a silicone sac installed in my Aurora 98. I just love my Trik-Traks now. I used to hate the new ones because they always felt odd and I never could tell how much ink was in it. Now, I can see my ink level, and the feel of filling the pen is much more positive.

 

Dillon

 

 

Do you know how to take the nib out ???