As a teenager in high school I had a part time job after school, weekends and in the school holidays pumping fuel at the local Golden Fleece Service Station. After leaving school at grade 10 (Junior) I had a full time job.
Boy, haven things changed. Back then when you drove your car into a service station for fuel it was very different to what happen today. As soon as you stopped at the petrol pump attendant would walk briefly to you wiping his grease hand with a rag and greet you. The reply was generally 10 bob of super mate. After pumping a couple of gallons of fuel into the car, you would check the tyres, oil and water. If the battery looked a bit old you check the water levels. And to finish you would clean the windscreen.
A couple of years later into my railway career I worked at Whinstanes, the second siding down the branch was the Golden Fleece Eagle Farm terminal. I visited the terminal each morning collecting information for the 8:00am wagon report. In short, recording what wagons were in sidings. From time to time I would shunt the siding if the shunt crew were held up down the branch with the train engine. I was there the morning one of the bulk tank went up in flames. It was Saturday and we crossing passenger trains, there were no shunters booked on for the branch. The station was just a couple of hundred yards away from the burning tank, no services were cancelled, it was business as normal, yes, it did get a bit hot at times.
At the time, Golden Fleece was one of two Australian oil companies.
The internet provides
some light on the company. In 1913 H C Sleigh was a shipping agent who had a
consignment of fuel that the customer could not pay the freight. On selling the
tins of fuel to recoup his costs, Sleigh became aware how profitable the sale
was and with the motor car rising in popularity, Australia‘s first oil company
started. In 1954 H.C. Sleigh merged with Purr Pull Industries. Sleight Limited
acquired the Kangaroo brand in 1962, and the Phillips 66 brand in 1967. The
company never has its own oil refinery and depended on Caltex. In 1981 the
company was sold to Caltex.
OP
Class Golden Fleece
Purr
– Pull (1954) - H.C. Sleigh (Golden Fleece) – Caltex (1981)
OP
Wagons. P 173
|
OP
1 (44317) |
|
|
Oct 44 |
Owners; Independent Oil Industries P/Ltd, Purr Pull, Golden Fleece Petroleum. Builder; Evans Deakin & Co. Tank DD68 transferred from OCJF 20767. Vacuum Oil Coy DEG X 24847 Dig. 173. (Same as OV 31) |
|
Dec 70 |
Derailed near Gladstone. |
|
Oct 75 |
Derailed Tunnel |
|
Jan 76 |
Derailed Kalpower |
|
Sep 78 |
Derailed CD |
|
Dec 84 |
Renumbered. (SD) |
|
Jun 86 |
DG Signs (Ips Wshops) |
|
May 92 |
Written Off Cunnamulla. |
Tank Length | 28’ 3” |
Tank Dia (inside) | 6’ 1½” |
Compartments | 3 |
Gross | 32 T |
Capacity | 4,800 g |
Bogie Centre | 21” 0” |
Bogies | Bar Frame. |
OV 31
|
Tank Length |
28’ 9½” |
|
Tank
Dia (inside) |
6’
1½” |
|
Compartments |
1 |
|
Gross |
32 T |
|
Capacity |
5,000 g |
|
Bogie Centre |
21” 0” |
|
Bogies |
Bar Frame. |
|
OP
2 (44318) |
|
|
Aug 1953 |
Owners; Independent Oil Industries P/Ltd, Purr Pull, Golden Fleece Petroleum. Builder; Evans Deakin & Co. |
|
Aug 58 |
Headstock
modified, cast steel buffers (T’ville). |
|
Jul 85 |
Renumbered.
(Ips W’shops) |
|
Jun 86 |
DG panels
(ND). |
|
OP
3 (44319) |
|
|
Apl 1953 |
Owners; Independent Oil Industries P/Ltd, Purr Pull, Golden Fleece Petroleum. Builder; Evans Deakin & Co. Tank DD68 transferred from OCJF 20768. |
|
Apl 59 |
Headstock
modified, cast steel buffers (R’ton). |
|
Feb 72 |
Lifting
& jacking pad. (T’ville |
|
Aug 84 |
Renumbered.
(Ips W’shops) |
|
Jul 86 |
DG panels
(Ips W’shops). |
|
May 92. |
Written Off.
C’mulla. |
|
OP
4 (44320) |
|
|
Jun 1953 |
Owners; Independent Oil Industries P/Ltd, Purr Pull, Golden Fleece Petroleum. Builder; Evans Deakin & Co. Tank DD22 transferred from OHJ 18929. |
|
Sep 55 |
Headstock
modified, cast steel buffers (Ips W’shops. |
|
Feb 70 |
Lifting
& jacking pad. (T’wba) |
|
Mar 73 |
Derailed CD |
|
Oct 75 |
Derailed
Tunnel CD. |
|
Nov 84 |
Renumbered.
(R’ton) |
|
OP
5 (44321) |
|
|
Mar 1953 |
Owners; Independent Oil Industries P/Ltd, Purr Pull, Golden Fleece Petroleum. Builder; Evans Deakin & Co. Tank DD100 transferred from OCJF 20764 that was on OB 67. |
|
66 |
Headstock
modified, cast steel buffers (R’ton) |
|
Dec 72 |
Splash
plates modified (R’ton) |
|
Jan 73 |
Lifting
& jacking pad. (R’ton) |
|
Oct 84 |
Renumbered.
(R’ton) |
|
May 92 |
Written Off.
C’mulla |
OP 4 (44320) Gladstone June 1989.
OP
6 – 12 (44322 – 28)
|
Tank Length |
30’ 5” |
|
Tank
Dia (inside) |
6’
1½” |
|
Compartments |
1 |
|
Gross |
32 T |
|
Capacity |
5,000 g |
|
Bogie Centre |
21” 0” |
|
Bogies |
QR 4/5 |
|
OP
6 (44322) |
|
|
Nov 55 |
Owners; Purr Pull, Golden Fleece Petroleum. QR. Builder; Evans Deakin & Co. |
|
May 62 |
Headstock
modified, cast steel buffers (Ips W’shops. |
|
Mar 73 |
Lifting
& jacking pad. Splasher plates modified
(CD) |
|
Sep 80 |
Reclassed
OPA. (Fast Freight – Red Circle) (Ips W’shops) |
|
Dec 84 |
Renumbered.
(Ips W’shops) |
|
Apl 86 |
DG panels
(Ips W’shops). |
|
Aug 93 |
Reclassed
OPA. (Fast Freight – Red Circle) (Ips W’shops) |
|
Aug 93 |
Sold to QR |
|
Sep 95 |
Written Off.
|
|
OP
7 (44323) |
|
|
Feb 56 |
Owners; Purr Pull, Golden Fleece Petroleum. QR. Builder; Evans Deakin & Co. |
|
| |
|
Mar 73 |
Lifting
& jacking pad. Splasher plates modified
(T’wba) |
|
May 81 |
Reclassed
OPA. (Fast Freight – Red Circle) |
|
Jul 85 |
Renumbered.
(Ips W’shops) |
|
Feb 91 |
On Hire to
Ampol |
|
Feb 92 |
Derailed
Julia Creek. |
|
May 93 |
Written Off.
|
|
OP
8 (44324) |
|
|
Nov 55 |
Owners; H. C. Sleigh Ltd, Golden Fleece Petroleum, QR Builder; Evans Deakin & Co. |
|
Feb 72 |
Red Circle
(T’ville) |
|
Apl 74 |
Lifting
& jacking fitted (T’ville) |
|
Aug 78 |
Jacking pads
fitted in lieu of safety bars (ND) |
|
Oct 84 |
Renumbered.
(ND) |
|
Apr 86 |
DG panels
fitted (ND) |
|
Mar 89 |
Derailed
Calcium. |
|
Aug 93 |
Purchased by
QR Primary Ind Div |
|
Sep 95 |
Written Off.
|
|
OP
9 (44325) |
|
|
Dec 55 |
Owners; H. C. Sleigh Ltd, Golden Fleece Petroleum, QR. Builder; Evans Deakin & Co. |
|
Sep 65 |
Cast steel
Buffer fitted (Ips W’shop). |
|
Feb 69 |
Red Circle,
Lifting & Jacking Pads fitted (Nby Shops) |
|
Dec 84 |
Renumbered |
|
Mar 88 |
Reclassed
OPA |
|
Mar 92 |
Written Off.
(SD) |
OP 9
OP 10
OP
13 – 15 (44329 – 31)
|
Tank Length |
30’ 5” |
|
Tank
Dia (inside) |
6’
1½” |
|
Compartments |
2 |
|
Gross |
32 T |
|
Capacity |
5,000 g |
|
Bogie Centre |
21” 0” |
|
Bogies |
QR 5 |
|
OP
13 (44329) |
|
|
Jul 1956 |
In service. Owner H C Sleigh Ltd, Golden Fleece Petroleum Ltd. Builder: Evans Deakins & Co. |
|
Dec 59 |
Hot box,
bogie exchanged QR 4. (Ips Shops) |
|
Aug 60 |
Headstocks
modified |
|
Jul 61 |
2 yearly
bogie overhaul, side bearer repositioned. |
|
Apr 69 |
Stencilled
Red Circle (Ips Shops) |
|
Aug 72 |
Lifting lugs
and safety bars fitted (Ips Shops) |
|
Jul 85 |
Renumbered. |
|
Oct 86 |
Classified
OPA |
|
Feb 91 |
On Hire to
Amplo |
|
May 95 |
Written off |
OP13
OPA 14
|
OP
14 (44330) |
|
|
Aug 1956 |
In service. Owner H C Sleigh Ltd, Golden Fleece Petroleum Ltd. Builder: Evans Deakins & Co. |
|
Aug 60 |
Headstocks
modified |
|
Jul 62 |
Side bearer
repositioned. |
|
Jul 69 |
Stencilled
Red Circle (R’ton Shops) |
|
Aug 81 |
Converted to
OPA |
|
Jun 85 |
Renumbered. |
|
Feb 91 |
On Hire to
Amplo |
|
May 95 |
Written off |
|
OP
15 (44331) |
|
|
Oct 1956 |
In service. Owner H C Sleigh Ltd, Golden Fleece Petroleum Ltd. Builder: Evans Deakins & Co. |
|
Jan 62 |
Side bearer
repositioned.(M’boro) |
|
Jan 70 |
Stencilled
Red Circle (R’ton Shops) |
|
Mar 73 |
Fitted with
lifting & jacking plates, Cast steel Buffers (R’ton Shops) |
|
May 75 |
Derailed
Marmor CD |
|
Jul 78 |
Safety bars
replaced. |
|
Feb 85 |
Renumbered.CD |
|
Jun 86 |
DG panels
fitted (not done) Ips |
|
Dec 88 |
Derailed ND |
|
Jan 91 |
Written off |
The “X” was added to the classification to show extra big wagon, generally indicating the wagon had an axle load of 10 tons (gross 40 tons). About 1964/65 “X” became part of the Australian Rollingstock Classification code meaning bogie exchange. Wagons with “X” as the last letter were changed to “E”.
|
OPX
16 (44332) |
|
|
Aug 57 |
Owner; C.O.R. Ltd. H C Sleigh. Golden Fleece Petroleum Ltd. Buider: Evans, Deakin & Co Brisbane. In service as OCX 77 |
|
Jul 58 |
H. C. Sleigh
purchased wagon from B.P. (Aust) renumbered OPX 16. Laster (1965) as OPE 16. |
|
Oct 59 |
Headstock
strengthened (ND) |
|
Jun 61 |
Side Bearers
repositioned (ND) |
|
Feb 72 |
Lifting
& Jacking brackets fitted. Mar 72 Safety bars fitted (ND) |
|
May 78 |
½” Gusset
replaced safety bars (ND) |
|
Feb 85 |
Renumbered
(CD) |
|
Nov 85 |
DG panels
fitted (CD) |
|
Feb 91 |
On hire to
Ampol |
|
Feb 93 |
Placed on
QLX 32624 underframe Classed OPET (ND)
|
|
Nov 93 |
Classed OPEM |
|
Tank Length |
34’
6” |
|
Tank
Dia. (inside) |
6’
1½” |
|
Compartments |
2 |
|
Gross |
40 T |
|
Capacity |
6,000 g |
|
Bogie Centre |
25” 0” |
|
Bogies |
QR 8 |
|
OPE
17 (44333) |
|
|
Apr 60 |
In service. Owner H C Sleigh Ltd, Golden Fleece Petroleum. Builder: Com Eng Co. In service as OPX. OPE Jan 66. |
|
Mar 73 |
Lifting
& Jacking pads fitted CD |
|
Feb 75 |
Red Circle |
|
May 75 |
Derailed
Marmor area |
|
Dec 78 |
Safety
gussets replace safety bar CD |
|
Nov 84 |
Renumbered |
|
Jan 87 |
DG Panels
fitted (Ips W’shops) |
|
May 93 |
Written off |
|
Tank Length |
31’5½” |
|
Tank
Dia. (inside) |
6’
1½” |
|
Compartments |
3 |
|
Gross |
40 T |
|
Capacity |
5,600 g |
|
Bogie Centre |
25” 0” |
|
Bogies |
QR 9 |
OPE 17
|
OPE
27 (44343) |
|
|
Jul 65 |
In service. Owner Phillips 66, Golden Fleece Petroleum. Builder: Scotts of Ipswich In service as OEE 4.. |
|
Apl 67 |
Red Circle |
|
Jul 67 |
Relettered
OPE 27 |
|
Nov 84 |
Renumbered (CD) |
|
Oct 86 |
DG Panels
fitted (Ips W’shops) |
|
1990 |
On Hire to
Ampol |
|
Nov 92 |
Mounted on
QLX 32621 underframe classed OPET |
|
Dec 93 |
Reclassified
OPEM. |
|
Tank Length |
34’11” |
|
Tank
Dia. (inside) |
6’
1½” |
|
Compartments |
2 |
|
Gross |
40 T |
|
Capacity |
6000 g |
|
Bogie Centre |
25” 0” |
|
Bogies |
QR 11 |
OPY Wagons. P 252
OPY 18 (44334) |
|
Aug 1961 | Owner; H C Sleigh, Golden Fleece Petroleum Ltd. Builder Com. Eng. Co. Brisbane |
Apl 69 | Red Circle |
Apl 78 | Lifting brackets modified |
May 85 | Renumbered (CD) |
Oct 86 | DG Panels fitted (Ips W’shops) |
Jul 93 | OPYM Underframe HO 38678 |
OPY 18
OPYM 44334 (18)
|
OPY19
(44335) |
|
|
Feb 1962 |
Owner; H C Sleigh, Golden Fleece Petroleum Ltd. Builder: Com. Eng. Co. Brisbane |
|
Mar 69 |
Red Circle |
|
Feb 82 |
One pair
solid wheels fitted (SWD) |
|
Mar 85 |
Renumbered (SD) |
|
Jun 93 |
Placed on HO
37191 underframe. |
|
Tank Length |
43’
4” |
|
Tank
Dia. (inside) |
6’ 6” |
|
Compartments |
2 |
|
Gross |
48 T |
|
Capacity |
8.718 g |
|
Bogie Centre |
33” 0” |
|
Bogies |
QR 9 |
OPY 20 (Baddow)
|
OPY20
(44336) |
|
|
July 1962 |
Owner; H C Sleigh, Golden Fleece Petroleum Ltd. Com. Eng. Co. Brisbane |
|
Apl 69 |
Red Circle |
|
Apl 80 |
Lifting
brackets modified |
|
Oct 84 |
Renumbered |
|
Apl 87 |
DG Panels
fitted (Ips W’shops) |
|
Mar 93 |
Placed on
Underframe from QLX 32458, reclassified OPYM |
OPY 21
|
OPY21
(44337) |
|
|
Mar 1965 |
Owner; H C Sleigh, Golden Fleece Petroleum Ltd. Scotts of Ipswich |
|
Apl 69 |
Red Circle |
|
May 79 |
Safety bars
on jacking pads modified (ND) |
|
Apr 79 |
Jacking pads
fitted with gusset plates in lieu of safety bars (ND) |
|
Jan 85 |
Renumbered (SD) |
|
Nov 85 |
DG Panels
fitted (Ips W’shops) |
|
Apr 93 |
Converted to
OPYM (Ips Shops) Underframe QLX 32583 |
|
Tank Length |
40’
1” |
|
Tank
Dia. (inside) |
6’ 6” |
|
Compartments |
1 |
|
Gross |
48 T |
|
Capacity |
8.820 g |
|
Bogie Centre |
33” 0” |
|
Bogies |
QR 11 |
OPY 44337 (21 Company
shield on end)
OPY 44337 (21) 1992. Under Caltex ownership, many of the tanks had the Golden Fleece signage painted out.
|
OPY22
(44338) |
|
|
Dec 1964 |
Owner; H C Sleigh, Golden Fleece Petroleum Ltd. Com. Eng. Co. Brisbane |
|
Feb 74 |
Red Circle |
|
Jul 79 |
Cast steel
buffers fitted (Normanby) |
|
Sep 79 |
Lifting
brackets modified |
|
Jun 85 |
Renumbered (CD) |
|
Mar 93 |
Placed on
QLX 32439 underframe Classified OPYM |
|
Jun 93 |
Derailed
Maryborough |
|
Oct 94 |
Written Off. |
|
Tank Length |
39’
10¾” |
|
Tank
Dia. (inside) |
6’ 6” |
|
Compartments |
2 |
|
Gross |
48 T |
|
Capacity |
8.120 g |
|
Bogie Centre |
33” 0” |
|
Bogies |
QR 11 |
OPY 23 (44339)
|
OPY23
(44339) |
|
|
Mar 1962 |
Owner; Phillips 66, Golden Fleece Petroleum Ltd. Scotts of Ipswich IN Service as OEY 1 |
|
Jul 67 |
Reclassified
OPY 23 |
|
Mar 69 |
Red Circle |
|
Jul 80 |
Lifting
brackets modified |
|
Mar 85 |
Renumbered (SD) |
|
Feb 91 |
On hire to
Ampol |
|
Mar 93 |
Placed on
QLX 32568 underframe, classed OPYM |
|
OPY24
(44340) |
|
|
Apr 1962 |
Owner; Phillips 66, Golden Fleece Petroleum Ltd. Scotts of Ipswich IN Service as OEY 3 |
|
Jul 67 |
Reclassified
OPY 24 |
|
Apl 69 |
Red Circle |
|
Mar 85 |
Renumbered (SD) |
|
Feb 91 |
On hire to
Ampol |
|
Apr 93 |
Converted
OPYM underframe QLX 32641 |
|
|
|
|
OPY25
(44341) |
|
|
Aug 1962 |
Owner; Phillips 66, Golden Fleece Petroleum Ltd. Scotts of Ipswich IN Service as OEY 1 |
|
Jul 67 |
Reclassified
OPY 24 |
|
Mar 69 |
Red Circle |
|
Feb 79 |
Derailed
Dalby |
|
Feb 80 |
Lifting
brackets modified |
|
Apl 85 |
Renumbered (T’wba) |
|
Feb 91 |
On hire to
Ampol |
|
Apl 93 |
Classed OPYM
underframe QLX 32464 |
|
|
|
|
Tank Length |
39’
4” |
|
Tank
Dia. (inside) |
6’ 6” |
|
Compartments |
2 |
|
Gross |
48 T |
|
Capacity |
8.000 g |
|
Bogie Centre |
33” 0” |
|
Bogies |
QR 11 |
OPY 25 (This tank wagon came across to Golden Fleece following the purchase of the Phillips 66 Company in 1967 along with OPY 23, 24, 25, 26 and OPE 27. These wagon may have the same logo on the ends)
|
OPY26
(44342) |
|
|
Aug 1965 |
Owner; Phillips 66, Golden Fleece Petroleum Ltd. Scotts of Ipswich- In Service as OEY 5 |
|
Jul 67 |
Reclassified
OPY 26 |
|
Mar 69 |
Red Circle |
|
Jul 79 |
Lifting
brackets modified |
|
Jul 85 |
Renumbered (SD) |
|
Jun 86 |
DG panels
fitted (ND). |
|
May 93 |
Converted
OPYM underframe QLX 32499 |
|
Tank Length |
39’
8½” |
|
Tank
Dia. (inside) |
6’ 6” |
|
Compartments |
2 |
|
Gross |
48 T |
|
Capacity |
8.000 g |
|
Bogie Centre |
33” 0” |
|
Bogies |
QR 11 |
OPO Wagons. P 287 Sold to QR 1996.
OPO28 (44344) |
|
Jul 1970 | Owner; Golden Fleece Petroleum Ltd. Scotts of Ipswich |
Jan 85 | Renumbered (CD) |
Nov 93 | Converted OPOM (SD) |
Sep 96 | Converted OLO |
OPO29 (44345) |
|
Sep 1970 | Owner; Golden Fleece Petroleum Ltd. Scotts of Ipswich |
Aug 1976 | Collision with ORO 37360 Ampol siding Toowoomba. |
Oct 84 | Renumbered (SD) |
Sep 96 | Converted OLO |
|
Tank Length |
48’
6” |
|
Tank
Dia. (inside) |
7’ 10” |
|
Compartments |
2 |
|
Gross |
60 T |
|
Capacity |
10,600 g |
|
Bogie Centre |
36” 0” |
|
Bogies |
QR 26 |
One of these wagons was on the ground at Downs Steam in Toowoomba a few years ago.
OPAO Wagons. P 349 Sold to QR 1996 re classed OLAO.
OPAO 30 (44346) |
|
Oct 1977 | Owner; Golden Fleece Petroleum Ltd. Indeng Fabrication (Qld) Wacol |
Sep 84 | Renumbered (SD) |
Mar 85 | Derailed Yarongmulu – Laidley |
Aug 96 | Converted OLAO (QR ownership). In 2018 the wagon carried OBAO classification suggesting Shell ownership. |
OPAO 31 (44347) |
|
Nov 1977 | Owner; Golden Fleece Petroleum Ltd. Indeng Fabrication (Qld) Wacol |
Nov 84 | Renumbered (SD) |
Jul 96 | Converted OLAO (QR ownership) |
|
Tank Length |
14
566 mm |
|
Tank
Dia. (inside) |
2
235 / 2 575 |
|
Compartments |
2 |
|
Gross |
63 t |
|
Capacity |
64 000 Lts |
|
Bogie Centre |
10 810 |
|
Bogies |
QR 30 |
OPAO 44347 (31)
New Underframes
Early 1990’s, many tank
wagons were still running around on bar frame bogies. Express Freight trains
had been around since the 1960’s. Plus some the wagons had bogies requiring
replacement. Some tank wagons had bogies not found on general freight wagons
making part hard to find. Newer wagons from other classes available for express
freight trains were no longer required and some were being scrapped. First
contract QLX box wagons also required brake upgrade for long train operation.
On top of this, containers were making these wagons redundant and many had be
converted into cattle wagon. 1992/93 most tank wagons received new underframe
making them available for express train operations. During this period some
companies took the opportunely to increase the length of the tank for great
carrying capacity.
OPAM 44327 (11) (WHE underframe)
OPYM 44336 (20) (QLX Underframe)
.jpg)
OPYM 44337 (21)
OPYM 44339 (23).
|
Plan # |
Class |
Company |
Year |
Numbers |
|
|
OPAO |
|
1977 |
30
– 31 |
|
P
349 |
OLAO
|
|
1997 |
44346/47
to QR |
|
P
287 |
OPO |
Golden
Fleece |
1970 |
28
– 29 (44344/45) OLO to QR (97) |
|
P
269 |
OPE |
Golden
Fleece |
1965 |
27
( ex OEE Phillips 66) |
|
P
252 |
OPY |
Golden
Fleece |
162/5 |
23
– 26 ( ex OEY 1 – 5 Phillips 66) |
|
P
173 |
OP
|
Golden
Fleece |
1944/56 |
1
– 15 |
|
P
173 A |
OPX
E |
Golden
Fleece |
1957/60
|
16
(ex OCX 77), 17 |
|
P
252 |
OPYTM
1993 |
44336/42,
(QLX U/frame, M when buffers removed) |
||
|
|
OPYTM |
44334/5
(HO U/frame, M when buffers removed) |
||
Marshalling
on Trains
General
Appendix to the Book of Rules and the Working Time Tables for all Divisions
1962.
Rolling-Stock Generally
67. (n) Private Oil Tank Wagons. – Privately owned tank wagons for the bulk conveyance of petrol, &c., are in service on these railways. The current list of these in service appears in the sheet “Particulars of Rollingstock on the Queensland Railways” which is issued quarterly.
A cast-iron plate bearing the words “Authorised by the Commissioner” (and the year) is affixed to these wagons.
The tank of such wagons
must only be filled and emptied on the private sidings of the companies, and
will be filled and emptied by consignors or consignees, who must see that the
opening is properly closed, i.e. that the tanks are made gas tight on every occasion
prior to transportation, whether full or empty.
The tank cars are in four general groups regarding nominal gross weight at rails, i.e.32 tones, 36 tons, 40 tons, and 48 tons.
Those having 8” x 4”, journals normally have a nominal gross weight of 32 tons and such wagons are permitted a maximum overload of 2 tons. However, a number of special tank wagons with bearings of this size have a gross weight of 36 tons and no overload is permissible with wagons of this type which may be distinguished by the fact that their classification bear a second “O” (e.g. OBO or OTO).
Oil tank wagons of 40 tons gross weight include the letter “X” in their classification (e.g. OVX class) whist wagons of 48 tons gross weight are distinguished by the letter “Y” in their classification (e.g. OVY class). No overload is permitted for “X” and “Y” class of tank wagons.
The class “Y” tank wagons are restricted to operation on lines available for B18¼ or heavier steam locomotives.
In the case of oil tank fitted with safety valve a minimum of 2 per cent. Of the space within the tank must be allowed for expansion. The minimum for bitumen tanks (which are fitted with safety vent in lieu of safety valve) is 1 per cent.
Tank wagons must not be to run unless they are full (i.e. between the above limitation and a stipulated maximum space as indicated by the ullage bar) or empty.
Attention is directed to Rules 204, 215, 556 and 559 also clause 67 A regarding these wagons. Clause 67A refers to overloads. OA, OB, OC, OP, OS, OT, OV, OR, OL are allowed a 2 Ton overload.
By-law
No. 1193 Book of Rules 1986
Rule 204 (a), Loose shunting vehicles containing passengers, livestock, explosives, etc. Loose shunting of vehicles containing passengers, livestock, explosives, flammable liquids, or other goods of a dangerous nature is strictly prohibited. The loosing shunting of vehicles against loaded passenger vehicles or against vehicles containing livestock, explosives, flammable liquids, or other goods of a dangerous nature is strictly prohibited.
Vehicle containing passengers, livestock, explosives, flammable liquids, or other goods of a dangerous nature shall not be detached from the locomotive until brought to a stand.
(b) Vehicles conveying explosives, flammable liquids, or other goods of a dangerous nature shall not be brought to a stand in close proximity to any area where a fire hazard exits.
Rule 215 Vehicle overloads. Refers to Clause 67 A General appendix.
Rule 566. (a) Acceptance of flammable liquids. Stationmasters and all employees connected with the handling and transporting of flammable liquids shall see that the instructions contained in The Railway Goods Traffic By-law, the General Appendix to the Book of Rules and the Railways of Australia Code of Practices and Conditions for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods are complied with and strictly observed.
9b). Position on train. On goods and mixed trains, loaded or empty rail tank wagons/containers used to convey flammable liquids and other wagons conveying flammable liquids may be marshalled together and are to be positioned in the train not less than two (2) four (4) wheeled vehicles or equivalent (one bogie vehicle) from any vehicle carrying other combustible substances likely to readily support combustion or any flat top vehicles not equipped with fixed end bulkheads and loaded with logs, rails, steel or concrete beams or similar loading. See QR Vehicle Segregation table in Rules 558 (e). A goods train conveying a load of flammable liquid wagons only does not require and intervening vehicles between the flammable load and the brake van.
(d) Open or naked lights not to be used in the vicinity of tank wagons. Employee shall not use open or naked lights when examining or repairing fuel or oil tank wagons, nor shall they smoke at or near such wagons.
(e) Precaution when attending damage oil tank wagons containing flammable liquids. Fuel or Oil tanks wagons or other wagons containing flammable liquids requiring repairs which necessitate a Train Examiner or other employees working underneath or on them at night time to make them safe for travel, must be taken off the train and repairs effective in daylight unless electric light is available. Should the tank be leaking or suspected to be leaking, Rules 559 (a) (ii) shall apply.
(f). Tank wagons not to be placed near open fires. Care shall be taken that no open fire shall exist at or near any fuel of oil wagon, nor shall any such wagon be shunted in the proximity of any open fire.
(g) (i) Employees to be advised of position of wagons containing flammable liquids. When vehicles containing flammable liquid are received, or held in yards, particularly between sunset and sunrise, Stationmasters, or other officers in charge shall see that the train and yard employees are informed of the position of such vehicles, and that all other precautions are taken to prevent accidents. Such precautions shall include provision for quick isolating such vehicles in the case of fire.
(ii) Watch to be kept for hot journals. All vehicles containing flammable liquid and vehicles adjacent to them, must be watched with extra care to discover hot journals.
(h). As “OF”, “OFY”, “OGE”, “OKE”. “OQ”, “OQE” and “OQY” rail tank wagons are not utilised to convey flammable or hazardous liquids, the provisions of this Rule will not apply to these classes of wagons.
Rule 559. Relates to accidents to vehicles containing flammable liquids.
After
1985.
Around 1985, the
Australian Dangerous Good Code came in and wagons were marshalled according to
the code. The marshalled detail separation required between various DG class,
passenger vehicles, locomotives and steel/logs etc.
The chart shows separation required between hauling locomotive and or guards vans, however if it was a block train of fuel tankers, no cover/separation is required. The chart above is a few years old, things could be very different these days. Empty wagons were also marshalled according to the code.
Make
up of trains.
In the 60/70’s, oil companies received three shunts per day. Golden Fleece terminal was at Whinstanes, the first shunt was around 5:00 am to place empty wagons and orders. At times, open “H” wagons and the like were required for drum fuel. The second shunt was around lunch time, if the branch shunt was delayed waiting for loading the station porter (over 18 years of age) would take a train engine to Golden Fleece and clear the loaded wagons. The branch shunt would place empties wagons once they arrived back at the station. The third shunt was late afternoon to clear all loaded wagons.
Oil companies in the Brisbane area loaded tank wagons for Gympie, Brisbane Valley Branch (Yarraman) and the south west beyond Toowoomba. Gympie and Yarraman wagons went to Mayne to be attached to their allocated train. South West loading for Toowoomba and beyond were used as fill on empty grain trains, adding some tonnage to the train. Plus early in the evening there was a fuel train from Pinkenba and a second train to clear what was left.
The shunter would place the south west loading in the loop, trains room would advise the tonnage to be added to the various trains. The wagons were not marshall into destinations. The siding would have the block of BP tanks, a block of Caltex tanks and a block of Golden Fleece tanks. Trains heading west the tank wagons were in company blocks. On arrival in Toowoomba, the shunters would break up the train from Brisbane looking for destinations for their trains going west and south. Once again, tanks wagons were still in company blocks.
On the return from the west it was a different story, all empty tank wagons are returned Brisbane on the first available train. Each station would shunt their sidings as the empty wagons became available, this could be at a different time each day. Let’s look at Charleville afternoon shift, their a tank at the power house (Shell?) , their a tank at the diesel shed (Amoco), a couple of tanks from the BP siding, a couple of tanks from each of the following Mobil, Ampol, Golden Fleece, these were all in one siding at the company discharge pipes. And to finish the yard shunt there is couple from the Shell tanks in the wool road. Other loading in the yard could be wool off the ramp, general goods from the Goods Shed, and empty wagons not required all heading towards Toowoomba. And then there is the trains from Cunnamulla and Quilpie with their general loading, empties and tanks. So tank wagons are all throughout the train in no order.
Tanks wagons have a high priority like perishable loading, must be sent on the first available train.
Models.
Given I pumped Golden Fleece fuels, visited and shunted the Brisbane Terminal and being Australian, OP wagons were high on the “to do” list for the layout.
Some of my early tank wagons were Golden Fleece and Ampol build back in the mid 1970’s. The underframe was scratch build from sheet styrene, no Evergreen in the hobby shops them days. The tank was made from two Tri-ang TT four wheeled tank wagon. The dome was a white metal US part purchased from Austral Modelcraft. A silicon rubber mould was made by the late Jim Fainges as part of the QR Modeller Group of AMRA Qld branch. The mould was filled with Plastic-bond to make the wagon. I made four wagons and they still run on the layout today, over the years I think they have had three bogie changes. The plans is one day to make new ones and retire them to my museum. Back in them days detail was not high on the “to do” list, if they look the part they were alright.
Yes, not the best models,
but little things develop into bigger things, it’s a learning curve, you make
better wagons as you learn new skills.
The models are showing their age and the numbering is not correct on both wagons. The only buffers one could purchase back in them days was BR “00” scale, a little over size. These two wagon on the weighbridge come in at 63 grams.
Of late most tank wagons have been scratchbuilt, in part some were covered back in November 2023 in Three Dome Tank wagons. Jigs are used for the underframe, mainly styrene is used, jigs help to keep everything straight. Styrene can bow very easily. I have used brass, but the viability of sizes can be an issue.
The underframe was made using EverGreen styrene strip. Another advantage of the jig is that all section can be marked out using a square.
Couplers are in built into the frame.
The tank is attached to the underframe in the centre with a 2 mm screw. Another jig is used to centre the tank onto the underframe. Once the tank is attached, the holes for mounting the bogies is drill for 2 mm tapping.
The tank was 25 mm acrylic rod turned in the lathe to the correct diameter. I had purchased a number of tank wagon detailing parts from Branchline Modeller to make NSWR tank wagons. Before they could be used, manufactures started producing RTR models. Much better detailed wagons than I could make. So the parts needed to be put to good use, most match QR tank wagons. Various domes and ends are still available from Stephen Johnston Models. On the weighbridge the wagon come in at 73 grams.
For something different
the next wagon was a Caintode Flats kit. A few mods were made to reflect OP 1,
mainly the direction of the release values on the domes. I did make one blue, I
overlooked the tank, I think it was welded, not riveted. The kit was intended
for an earlier Mobil OV class wagon.
On the weighbridge the wagon come in at 43 grams.
The next wagon was OPY
18. I don’t recall seeing this wagon. Only a photo taken by Stan Moore. Many of
the NSWR tanks were similar in colour.
The tank was 25 mm thick
wall acrylic tube that was turned down in the lathe. This was to reduce the
weight and not to make them top heavy which the rod method did. Branchline
Modeller ends and domes were used. The
domes were modified to reflex the prototype. Lace pins (from the wife sewing
kit, available from dress making stores, Spotlight etc. different sizes are
available) were used for some of the detail added.
One area I found difficult was the walkway, keeping them straight and remaining attached to the wagon.
The tank was turned upside down and the
mesh was soldered to the brass rod supports.
On the weighbridge the wagon come in at 74 grams. A similar wagon built using acrylic rod weighted 104 grams.
The wagon was painted
using Mirotone etch black. Once dry the underframe was masked off and the tank
painted with SMS surface primer (PLP03).
Styrene sheet was used in
the masking process as well, mainly under the tank.
The final top coat for
the tank was SMS Orange PL08 (it was what I had).
Decals
available from Teditor were applied. A light weather followed to finish off the
wagon.
The wagon will look at home in the new fuel depot being built for the new shunting layout. Maybe more on that next issue.
As always, have fun and enjoy your hobby.
Arthur H.
Acknowledgements.
Australian Model Railway
Association Queensland Library
QR Plans
QR Rule Book and General Appendix.
Queensland State Archives