diff --git a/include/mapnik/shield_symbolizer.hpp b/include/mapnik/shield_symbolizer.hpp
index 44600a082..d31305664 100644
--- a/include/mapnik/shield_symbolizer.hpp
+++ b/include/mapnik/shield_symbolizer.hpp
@@ -36,8 +36,9 @@ namespace mapnik
 struct MAPNIK_DECL shield_symbolizer : public text_symbolizer,
                                        public symbolizer_with_image
 {
-    shield_symbolizer(text_placements_ptr placements = text_placements_ptr(
-                          boost::make_shared<text_placements_dummy>()));
+    // Note - we do not use boost::make_shared below as VC2008 and VC2010 are
+    // not able to compile make_shared used within a constructor
+    shield_symbolizer(text_placements_ptr placements = text_placements_ptr(new text_placements_dummy));
     shield_symbolizer(expression_ptr name,
                       std::string const& face_name,
                       float size,