OV - Vacuum / Mobil 5,000 gallon (32 Tons) Tank Wagons.

The Vacuum Oil Company was the first oil company in Australia. The company set up their branch in Melbourne in 1895. In 1904 it became officially incorporated as a proprietary company in Victoria. In 1906 the company issued Australia’s first chart of “Recommendation to Motorist’s”. By 1908 the company merged with Colonial Oil Co. In 1916 Vacuum introduced its “Plume” and Laurel” brands to the Australian market. During the mid 1920’s they introduced “Ethyl”, Australia’s first Super grade petrol. Around the same time in the US, Vacuum’s parent company merged with the Standard Oil Company of New York to become Socony Vacuum, then Socony Mobil. The Socony Mobil introduced the Flying Red Horse (Pegasus) logo in Australia in 1939.  In 1954 the Plume brand was replaced by Mobilgas. In 1966 the company was known as Mobil Oil Corporation

The companies first tank wagon on Queensland Railway was OV 1 which entered service on the 19^th of April 1927. In the years to follow the company had over 100 wagons on the rails around the state. Many of the early wagons remaining in service to the mid 1980’s.  As one would expect with 60 plus years of service there were many changes. At first the wagon carried the Plume brand, in the 1960’s this was change to Mobil. By the mid 1970’s, most brand names were gone. Similar to other oil companies by the mid 1950’s the size and carrying capacity of the tank wagons increased, and then in later years some wagons coming from interstate. 

Time lines of changes and modifications to the wagons shown in the previous blog for 6,000 gallons (40 Tons) wagons are applicable to the class and most tank wagons on the QR network. 

1969.  Wagon fitted with cast iron ride control bogies were made available to be used on Express Freight Trains upgrade from 35 MPH to 50 MPH. Red Circle added. In some cases, modification was required to the bogie and this took a few years.

1971. onwards.  Lifting and jacking brackets added to wagon.

1972. Metric measure. Tons to tonnes, Gallons to Litres, Pressure testing from psi to Kpa.  This changed the marking on the wagons.

Early 1970’s. Company signage started disappearing from wagons.  

1984/5. QR introduced the Rollingstock Information Control System (RICS) a computer system to managing rollingstock. All wagons number required five (5) digits. Previously, tank wagon was numbered in company groups.

1985. Introduction of the Australian Dangerous Code.  Emergency Information panels were added to wagons.  

 1992 onwards. Upgrading of the tank wagon fleet, many older wagons were placed on surplus QR wagon underframes (QLX, HO, WHE, HJS) making the whole fleet all available for Express Freight Trains. Other changes included modification to the brake equipment and removal of buffers.   

Early wagons were fitted with a lever type hand brake on one side like most QR rollingstock. Most wagons had headstock issues that required them to strengthened, splasher plates were added and removed from time to time.  

Let’s look at some history cards for more detail.    

 

OV 1  (44467)
Apl 1927	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Braking – Train pipe and lever. Bar frame Bogies One compartment, 5,000 gal. Rivetted. Bottom discharge.
Jun 46	Fitted with Westinghouse brake.
Jun 62	Headstocks reinforced (ND)
Feb	Headstocks modified, fitted with cast steel self-contained (CSSC) Buffers. Jacking plates fitted (CD)
Feb 74	Modification to splasher plates (SWD)
Feb 78	Extra drawhook slides fitted (CD)
Mar 78	Safety bars replaced
Jan 85	Renumbered
Nov 85	Dangerous Good signs
	Wagon part of Ipswich Workshop Museum collection.

(ND) Northern Division Townsville (Tv). (CD) Central Division Rockhampton.

(SWD) South West Division Toowoomba.

 

OV 2  (44468)
Apl 1927	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Braking – Train pipe and lever. Bar Frame Bogies One compartment, 5,000 gal. Rivetted. Bottom discharge.
Jun 47	Fitted with Westinghouse brake.
Oct 55	Repainted (Ipswich WS)
Nov 59	Damaged in Derailment & Fire SWD
Jun 62	Headstocks reinforced (ND)
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Jan 90	Withdrawn from Service

 

OV 3  (44469)
Apl 1927	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Braking – Train pipe and lever. Bar Frame Bogies One compartment, 5,000 gal. Rivetted. Bottom discharge.
Jun 47	Fitted with Westinghouse brake.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Jun 91	Withdrawn from Service

  

OV 4  (44470)
May 1927	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Braking – Train pipe and lever. Bar Frame Bogies One compartment, 5,000 gal. Rivetted. Bottom discharge.
Oct 46	Fitted with Westinghouse brake.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Nov 92	Withdrawn from Service

 

OV 5  (44471)
Jun 1927	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Braking – Train pipe and lever. Bar Frame Bogies Three compartments, 4,800 gal. Rivetted. Bottom discharge.
Mar 46	Fitted with Westinghouse brake.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
May 71	Withdrawn from Service. Donated to ARHS Wacol
May 85	Renumbered.

Next four photos are shown as being OV 5. (ARHS Rosewood)

This pipe on the underframe may not be original, I think it could be a water pipe that has been added.

 

Wagon fitted with QR 3 packed bearing.

 Photos don’t match the plans and history cards which show a three dome tank???.

OV 6  (44472)
Jun 1927	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Braking – Train pipe and lever. Bar Frame Bogies Three compartments, 4,800 gal. Rivetted. Bottom discharge.
Mar 49	Fitted with Westinghouse brake.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Jun 91	Withdrawn from Service. Stowed Tv

 

OV 7  (44473)
Jun 1927	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Braking – Train pipe and lever. Bar frame Bogies Three compartments, 4,800 gal. Rivetted. Bottom discharge.
Nov 45	Fitted with Westinghouse brake.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Jun 91	Withdrawn from Service. Stowed Tv

 

OV 8  (44474)
Jul 1927	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Braking – Train pipe and lever. Bat frame Bogies Three compartments, 4,800 gal. Rivetted. Bottom discharge.
Jan 47	Fitted with Westinghouse brake.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
May 71	Shown as being withdrawn from service and donated to ARHS Wacol ??
Dec 76	Derailed Chinchilla
Nov 84	Renumbered
	Wagon was at Boxflat, now at Yarraman

OV 9  (44475)
Jun 1927	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Braking – Train pipe and lever. Bar frame Bogies Three compartments, 4,800 gal. Rivetted. Bottom discharge.
Jan 47	Fitted with Westinghouse brake.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Nov 92	Withdrawn from Service.

Homestead 1969 (ND) The wagon had been detached (taken off) from a train due to a hot box. If waste packing in the journal bearing become dry, the bearing can run hot and the waste will catch fire. In the steam era there was a lots of waste on a locomotive for cleaning and they carried oil, drivers could repack the axle box and fix most issues. With diesels crews had none of this and wagon had to taken off the train. Most larger stations had Oilers who would go wagon to wagon oiling the axle boxes.    

OV 10  (44476)
Aug 1927	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Braking – Train pipe and lever. Bar frame Bogies Three compartments, 4,800 gal. Rivetted. Bottom discharge.
Jun 46	Fitted with Westinghouse brake.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
	One record shows written off Oct 83
Jun 91	Withdrawn from Service. Stowed Tv

 

OV 11  (44477)
Jul 1929	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Braking – Train pipe and lever. Bar frame Bogies Three compartments, 4,800 gal. Welded. Bottom discharge.
Aug 45	Fitted with Westinghouse brake.
Oct 55	Washed in river at Maryborough by floods and recovered.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Jan 74	Derailed Cummanulla-Mangalore
Nov 92	Withdrawn from Service.

 

OV 12  (44478)
Jul 1929	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Braking – Train pipe and lever. Bar frame Bogies Three compartments, 4,800 gal. Welded. Bottom discharge.
Aug 45	Fitted with Westinghouse brake.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Apr 95	Withdrawn from Service. Stowed Tv

 

OV 13
Aug 1929	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Braking – Train pipe and lever. Bar frame Bogies Three compartments, 4,800 gal. Welded. Bottom discharge.
Mar 46	Fitted with Westinghouse brake.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Aug 73	Withdrawn from Service. Tank removed and fitted to OV 77. Underframe cut up and sold to Sims Metal.

OV 14  (44479)
Aug 1929	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Braking – Train pipe and lever. Bar frame Bogies Three compartments, 4,800 gal. Welded. Bottom discharge.
Jun 46	Fitted with Westinghouse brake.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Aug 94	Withdrawn from Service.

 

OV 15  (44480)
Dec 1929	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Braking – Train pipe and lever. Bar frame Bogies One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded. Top discharge.
Jun 46	Fitted with Westinghouse brake.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
	Another record shows written off Oct 83.
Jun 91	Withdrawn from Service. Stowed Tv

  

OV 16
Dec 1929	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Rivetted. Top discharge.
Jun 67	Collision Mt Isa. Written off   (A corn field meet I think??)

  

OV 17  (44481)
Dec 1929	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Three compartments, 4,800 gal. Rivetted Top discharge.
	Much the same as OV 1
Nov 92	Withdrawn from Service.

 

OV 18  (44482)
Jan  1930	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Three compartments, 4,800 gal. Rivetted Top discharge.
Jul 58	Tank Tested and repainted Evans Deakin
	Service history much the same as OV 1
	Another record shows written off Oct 83
Jun 91	Withdrawn from Service. Stowed Tv

 

OV 19  (44483)
Jan 1930	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Three compartments, 4,800 gal. Rivetted Top discharge.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Sep 93	Withdrawn from Service. (CD)

 

OV 20  (44484)
Jan 1930	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Three compartments, 4,800 gal. Rivetted Top discharge.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Dec 84	Renumbered (CD) Wagon part of Ipswich Workshop Museum collection.

 

OV 21  (44485)
Jan 1930	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Three compartments, 4,800 gal. Rivetted Top discharge.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Nov 92	Withdrawn from service

 

OV 22  (44486)
Feb 1930	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Three compartments, 4,800 gal. Rivetted Top discharge.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Apl 94	Withdrawn from service

 

OV 23  (44487)
Feb 1930	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Three compartments, 4,800 gal. Rivetted Top discharge.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Nov 92	Withdrawn from service

OV 24  (44488)
Dec 1935	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Bar frame Bogies One compartment, 5,000 gal. Rivetted Bottom discharge.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Apr 88	Reclassed OVA. Tank fitted to HJS 22774
Sep 94	Withdrawn from service

OV, OVA What’s the difference. 

In 1969 wagons fitted with cast steel ridge control bogies had their status lifted from Goods Train (35mph) to Express Freight Train (50 mph). Over time red circles were added for visual identification. In 1984/85 a computerized system was introduced to control and provide rollingstock information. The Rollingstock Information and Control System (RICS) carried out various functions including compiling Train Wires for train crews. The information on the train wire showed all wagons and their status, it also showed the train operating speed. A number of wagon classes on the network had a mix of bogies types like the OV tank wagons. Some wagons in the class were fitted with bar frame bogies that could travel at 35 mph and others had cast steel ridge control bogies that run at 50 mph. To sort out the sheep from the goats the letter “A” was added to the class available for the express freight trains. If the class has all the same or similar status, the letter was not used. 

Having said that in the mid 1990’s, the “A” on the end of a wagon class was used to identified wagon fitted with automatic couplers where the buffers had been removed until all buffers had been removed from all wagons. Wagons fitted with auto couplers without buffer could not be marshalled next to wagons fitted with draw hooks. Wagons with a “T” on the end of their class were wagons fitted with auto couples, buffers, transition couplings and if a bogie wagon they could travel on express freight trains. These wagons could be coupled to draw hook wagons.           

OV 25  (44489)
Dec 1935	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Bar frame Bogies One compartment, 5,000 gal. Rivetted Bottom discharge.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Nov 92	Withdrawn from service

 

OV 26  (44490)
Sep 1938	In service, Built by Walkers.  Bar frame Bogies Three compartments, 4,8000 gal. Rivetted Bottom discharge.
Sep 61	Major repairs including dents removed from tank Ipswich WS
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Feb 93	Withdrawn from service (CD)

OV 27  (44491)
Sep 1938	In service, Built by Walkers.  Bar frame Bogies Three compartments, 4,8000 gal. Rivetted Bottom discharge.
Sep 61	Major repairs including dents removed from tank Ipswich WS
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Feb 93	Withdrawn from service (CD)

 

OV 28  (44492)
Oct 1938	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Bar frame Bogies One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Aug 94	Withdrawn from service

OV 29  (44493)
Oct 1938	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Bar frame Bogies Tank built by Evans, Anderson & Phelan One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Aug 94	Withdrawn from service

 

OV 30  (44494)
Dec 1938	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Bar frame Bogies Tank built by Evans, Anderson & Phelan One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Sep 93	Withdrawn from service (CD)

 

OV 31  (44495)
Jun 1939	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy.  Bar frame Bogies Three compartments, 4,800 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
	Service history much the same as OV 1
Nov 92	Withdrawn from service (CD)

Company signage was painted out during the mid 1970’s.

During WW 11 the Commonwealth Land Transport Board (CLTB) allocated 100 tanks to Vacuum Oil, later this was reduced to 80, 20 were transferred to the Northern Territory. These tanks were placed on wooden underframes, CJF and HJ wagons. Wagons fitted with tank were classified OCJF and OHJ. It appears the tanks were leased to a number of Oil Companies, Shell, Atlantic, COR. The wagons numbers were retained and the tanks were given company numbers similar to the wagon classes we know today. After the war the tanks were taken of the wooden underframes and placed on steel underframes.  Some records refer to them as Defense Department (DD) tanks.

 

OV 32
Jun 1942	In service, Built by Queensland Railways CLTB (DD) 1 Tank OCJF 20375   Bar frame Bogies. 9/46 to 8/50.  Atlantic Union(AUO 51) 8/50 to 7/51

 

OV 32 (44120)
Jun 1951	In service, Built by Tulloch Ltd NSW. Ride control A3 bogies (QR 4?)  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Nov 58	Painting, minor repairs headstock straightened, new buffers. Evans Deakin.
Mar 60	Headstocks & Cross members straightened. Side bearers repositioned
Aug 61	Values & Tank tested, buffer repaired, reconditioned bearings fitted.
Jan 62	Fitted with flame tubes for bitumen. Capacity 4502 gallons, 36 T gross Reclassed OVO
Jul 66	Reclassed OFO  (Wagon held onto their original number)
Oct 72	Reclassed OF
Apl 75	Splasher plates removed (Tv)
Feb 85	Renumbered.
Dec 94	Withdrawn from service (CD)

 

OVO/OFO. In the early 1960’s, some wagons within a class had a higher gross weight, most tank wagon of this size had a gross weight of 32 tons, and they were allowed a 2 tons overload. Other wagons in the class had a gross weight of 36 tons (different bogies with a high carrying capacity) were not allowed an overload, to show the differences between the two, “O” was added to the classification to show wagons where an “Overload” was not allowed. A few years later “O” on the end of a classification indicated a wagon had a gross weight of 63 tons, i.e. WHO, CO wagons. Thus, the “O” on these wagons was dropped.     

 The ownership of the OF tank wagons transferred to Emoleum (Australia) Ltd.

 

OV 33
Jun 1942	In service, Built by Queensland Railways CLTB (DD) 2 Tank OCJF 20376   Bar frame Bogies. 9/46 to 8/50 Atlantic Union (AUO 52) 8/50 to 8/51

 

OV 33 (44496)
Jun 1951	In service, Built by Tulloch Ltd NSW. Ride control A3 bogies (QR 4?)  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Jul 62	Side bearers repositioned          (Tv)
Apl 75	Splasher plates removed (Tv)
May 69	Stencilled with red circle (50 mph)
Sep 77	Fitted with QR 17 bogies
Mar 81	Reclassed OVA
Oct 84	Renumbered.

 

OV 34
Jul 1942	In service, Built by Queensland Railways CLTB (DD) 3 Tank OCJF 20377   Bar frame Bogies. 9/46 to 8/50 Atlantic Union (AUO 53) 8/50 to 7/51.

 

OV 34 (44121)
Jun 1951	In service, Built by Tulloch Ltd NSW. Ride control A3 bogies (QR 4?)  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Jun 63	Converted for bitumen, classed OVO
Jul 66	Reclassed OFO
May 72	Reclassed OF
Sep 84	Renumbered.
May 90	Withdrawn from service.

  

OV 35
Jul 1942	In service, Built by Queensland Railways CLTB (DD) 4 Tank OCJF 20379   Bar frame Bogies. 9/46 to 8/528/50 Atlantic Union (AUO 54) 8/50 to 7/51.

 

OV 35 (44122)
Jun 1951	In service, Built by Tulloch Ltd NSW. Ride control A3 bogies (QR 4?)  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Jun 63	Converted for bitumen, classed OVO
Jul 66	Reclassed OFO
May 69	Stencilled red circle
May 73	Reclassed OF
Oct 84	Renumbered.
Feb 95	Withdrawn from service.

OV 36
Jul 1942	In service, Built by Queensland Railways CLTB (DD) 5 Tank OCJF 20380   Bar frame Bogies. 9/46 to 8/50

 

OV 36  (44497)
Aug 1952	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Ride control A3 bogies (QR 4).  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
May 62	Side bearers repositioned.  (Tv)
Jul 69	Lifting & Jacking pads fitted
Nov 73	CSSC Buffers fitted (Tv)
Dec 74	Splasher plates removed
Apl 85	Renumbered (Tv)
Jul 87	Reclassed OVA
Sep 91	QR Package bearings fitted

 

OV 37
Jul 1942	In service, Built by Queensland Railways CLTB (DD) 6 Tank OCJF 20381   Bar frame Bogies.

 

OV 37  (44498)
Sep 1952	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Ride control A3 bogies (QR 4). Tank DD 6 transferred from OCJF 20381  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Aug 69	Red circle
May 73	Fitted with CSSC Buffers (CD)
Jan 75	Splasher Plates removed (CD)
Mar 85	Renumbered (CD)
Aug 89	Reclassed OVA

 

OV 38
Jul 1942	In service, Built by Queensland Railways CLTB (DD) 7 Tank OCJF 20385   Bar frame Bogies.

 

OV 38  (44123)
Oct 1952	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Ride control A3 bogies (QR 4). Tank DD 7 transferred from OCJF 20385  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Jul 65	Converted for bitumen, classed OVO
Jul 66	Reclassed OFO
Oct 69	Red circle
Jul 71	OF
Oct 84	Renumbered
Feb 95	Withdrawn from service

 

OV 39
Jul 1942	In service, Built by Queensland Railways CLTB 14 Tank OCJF 20383   Bar frame Bogies. Atlantic Union (AUO 56) 8/50 to 7/51.

 

OV 39 (44499)
Jul 1951	In service, Built by Tulloch Ltd NSW. Ride control A3 bogies (QR 4)  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
May 75	Red Circle  (CD)
Nov 84	Renumbered (CD)
Apr 87	Dangerous Goods signs (ND)
Mar 91	Reclassed OVA

 

OV 40
Jul 1942	In service, Built by Queensland Railways CLTB 15 Tank OCJF 20388   Bar frame Bogies. Atlantic Union (AUO 57) 8/50 to 8/51.

 

OV 40 (44500)
Jul 1951	In service, Built by Tulloch Ltd NSW. Ride control A3 bogies (QR 4)  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Apr 85	Renumbered (ND)
Apr 86	Dangerous Goods signs (Ipswich)
May 87	Reclassed OVA

 

OV 41  (44501)
Apr 1953	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Ride control A3 bogies (QR 4). Tank DD 16 transferred from OCJF 20395  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Jul 69	Red Circle (CD)
	QR 4 package bearing fitted (no date)
Jan 85	Renumbered (CD)

 

OV 42  (44502)
Dec 1952	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Ride control A3 bogies (QR 4). Tank DD 20 transferred from OHJ 18842  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Jul 69	Red Circle (CD)
	Fitted with QR 17 bogies (no date)
Jan 85	Renumbered (CD)

 

OV 43  (44124)
Mar 1953	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Ride control A3 bogies (QR 4). Tank DD 59 transferred from OCJF 20736  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
	OVO (No date) Something done Aug 61 (Tv)
Jul 66	Reclassed OFO (Tv)
Nov 72	Reclassed OF (Tv)
Sep 84	Renumbered (ND)
Feb 95	Withdrawn from service

 

OV 44  (44125)
Aug 1952	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Ride control A3 bogies (QR 4). Tank DD 85 transferred from OCJF 20766  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Jan 53	Splashers fitted Evan Deakins
Feb 53	Frame straightened (Ipswich)
Feb 55	Two headstocks straightened, 4 broken buffer sockets replaced (N’gate)
Jul 57	Headstocks & buffers straightened (Northgate)
Jun 59	Hot box, fitted with temporary bogies
Jul 59	Headstocks straightened and buffer thimbles
Dec 61	Recondition bearing & friction block fitted, side bearers repositioned
Aug 63	Convery for bitumen reclassed OVO
Jan 65	Headstock modified
Jul 66	Reclassed OFO
Nov 72	Reclassed OF (Tv)
Jul 76	Derailed Nonda
Sep 84	Renumbered (Tv)
Sep 88	Underframe repairs (Ipswich)
Mar 95	Withdrawn from service

 

OV 45  (44126)
Oct 1952	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Ride control A3 bogies (QR 4). Tank DD 92 transferred from OCJF 20757  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Aug 63	Convery for bitumen reclassed OVO
Jul 66	Reclassed OFO
Aug 72	Reclassed OF
Feb 74	Red Circle
Oct 84	Renumbered
Feb 95	Withdrawn from service

 

OV 46  (44503)
Feb 1953	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Ride control A3 bogies (QR 4). Tank DD 57 transferred from OCJF 20734  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Sep 77	Fitted with QR 17 A Bogies
May 83	Reclassed OVA
Nov 84	Renumbered
Oct 85	Dangerous Good sign fitted
Jul 88	Repairs to underframe.

 

OV 47
Jul 1942	In service, Built by Queensland Railways CLTB 13 Tank OCJF 20378   Bar frame Bogies. Atlantic Union (AUO 57) 8/50 to 8/51.

 

OV 47 (44504)
Mar 1953	In service, Tank by Tulloch Ltd NSW. Ride control A3 bogies (QR 4)  Underframe by Evans Deakin One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Dec 84	Renumbered (CD)
Aug 89	Reclassed OVA

 

OV 48
Jul 1942	In service, Built by Queensland Railways CLTB 17 Tank OCJF 20387   Bar frame Bogies. Written Off Jun 51

 

OV 48  (44505)
Sep 1952	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Ride control A3 bogies (QR 4). Tank Shell OB 68 from OCJF 20397  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
	Bogies changed to Bar frame ?? 76 Tv
Apr 85	Renumbered
	Stowed Tv
Sep 94	Written Off
OV 49
Dec 1942	In service, Built by Queensland Railways CLTB 60 Tank OCJF 20737   Bar frame Bogies.

 

OV 49  (44506)
Nov 1952	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Ride control A3 bogies (QR 4). Tank DD 60 transferred from OCJF 20737  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Jun 74	Red circle
May 82	Reclassed OVA
Jul 85	Renumbered

 

OV 50  (44507)
Mar 1949	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Bar fame bogies. Tank DD 56 transferred from OCJF 20733  One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
	Bogies changed to Bar frame ?? 76 Tv
Apr 85	Renumbered
	Stowed Tv
Jun 91	Withdrawn from service

 

OV 51  (44508)
Dec 1949	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Bar fame bogies. One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
	Fitted with temporarily platform 5 ft. long due to shortage of timber.
May 50	Full length platform fitted.
Jan 85	Renumbered
Mar 92	Converted to OVA

 

OV 52  (44509)
Jan 1950	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Bar fame bogies. One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
May 52	Damaged in collision Roma St, Repaired Normanby.
Dec 84	Renumbered  (ND)
Feb 86	Dangerous Goods sign fitted (ND)
Apr 94	Written off

 

OV 53  (44510)
Jan 1950	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Bar fame bogies. One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
May 52	Damaged in collision Roma St, Repaired Normanby.
Oct 84	Renumbered  (CD)
May 93	Written off (ND)

 

OV 54  (44511)
Feb 1950	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Bar fame bogies. One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Sep 72	Derailed Julia Creek
Sep 84	Renumbered  (ND)
Apr 86	Dangerous Goods signs fitted
May 93	Written off (ND)
OV 55  (44512)
Mar 1950	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Bar fame bogies. One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Jan 57	Derailed ND (not damaged)
Apr 85	Renumbered  (SWD)
Apr 88	Dangerous Goods signs fitted (ND)
Nov 92	Converted to OVA (Ipswich)

 

OV 56  (44513)
Mar 1950	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Bar fame bogies. One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Apr 85	Renumbered  (ND)
Sep 77 ?	QR 3 bogies fitted
	Stored Tv
Jan 93	Written off (Ipswich)

OV 57  (44514)
May 1950	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Bar fame bogies. One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Jan 85	Renumbered
Feb 86	Dangerous Goods signs fitted (ND)
Jan 93	Written off (Ipswich)

 

OV 58  (44515)
Nov 1950	In service, Built by Evans Deakins & Coy. Bar fame bogies. One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Sep 84	Renumbered
Aug 94	Written off (Ipswich)

 

OV 59  (44127)
Apr 1952	In service, Tank by Tullock Ltd. Underframe by Evans Deakins.  Ride Control A3 bogies. (QR 3) One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Jan 55	Damaged in collision Cannon Hill
Mar 62	Fitted with flame tube heating for bitumen. Reclassed OVO
Jul 66	Reclassed OFO
Mar 69	Red Circle  (SWD)
Oct 71	Reclassed OF (Tv)
Oct 84	Renumbered  (SD)
Feb 86	Dangerous Goods signs fitted (ND)
May 90	Withdrawn from service.

During the 1950/60’s, Mobil tanks had a number in a white circle on each end, not sure what this is, maybe a company tank number R for Rail.???

 

OV 60  (44516)
May 1952	In service, Tank by Tullock Ltd. Underframe by Evans Deakins.  Ride Control A3 bogies. (QR 4) One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Jan 57	Temporarily fitter with WH wagon (QR 3) bogies.
Sep 61	Side bearers repositioned
Jun 70	Red Circle
Jul 72	Splasher plates fitted. Lifting lugs & Jacking brackets (CD)
Jul 75	Splasher plates removed (Tv)
Apr 85	Renumbered  (ND)
May 86	Converted to OVA  QR 17 bogies Jun 78.
May 86	Dangerous Goods signs fitted (Ipswich)
Jun 88	Repairs to Underframe (Ipswich)
	Stowed Tv

OV 61  (44517)
May 1952	In service, Tank by Tullock Ltd. Underframe by Evans Deakins.  Ride Control A3 bogies. (QR 4) One compartment, 5,000 gal. Welded Bottom discharge.
Jan 57	Derailed & damaged ND
Mar 69	Red Circle (Tv)
Oct 72	Headstock modifications, Splasher plates Modified, Lifting & jacking pads
Nov 74	Derailed Tunnel – Gogango
Jan 75	Splasher plates removed  (CD)
Jul 72	Splasher plates fitted. Lifting lugs & Jacking brackets (CD)
Jul 80	Converted to OVA   (HJS 22823)
Sep 84	Derailed Wyandra  - Coongoola (SWD)
Oct 84	Renumbered  (SD)

 

OV 74  (44530)	In Service Apr 66. Underframe from OB 118 renumbered OB 99 (Aug54) Tank from South Australia. One compartment 5,000 gallons, Welded, top discharge. Ridge Control A3 bogies (QR 4).
Feb 69	Red Circle
Nov 72	Bogie repairs, drawhooks replaced, splasher plates rewelded, SCCS buffers fitted
Jun74	Lifting lugs & Safety bars fitted
Jan 81	Derailed Warwick – Toolburra (SWD)
Jul 81	Reclassed OVA
Jul 85	Renumbered.
Dec 88	In Storage Cannon Hill
Jun 91	Withdrawn from service

OV 75  (44531)	In Service Jan 67. Underframe from OB0 87 renumbered from OB 112. One compartment , 5,000 gallon Tank from South Australia.
Jun 69	Red Circle (Tv)
Jan 81	Derailed Warwick – Toolburra (SWD)
Feb 82	Reclassed OVA
Jul 85	Renumbered.
Dec 88	In Storage Cannon Hill
Jun 91	Withdrawn from service

OV 76  (44532)	In Service Dec 66. Underframe from OBO 88 renumbered from 113 One compartment 5,000 gallon Tank from South Australia.
Jul 69	Red Circle
Dec 81	Derailed & Burnt Hannams Gap
Jul 85	Renumbered

 

OV 77  (44533)	In Service Aug 64. Underframe from OB 103 renumbered from 122 One compartment 5,000 gallon Tank from OV 13.
Feb 69	Red Circle
Oct 80	Converted to OVA
Jul 85	Renumbered
Dec 88	In Storage Cannon Hill
Jun 91	Withdrawn from service.

 

OV 78  (44534)	In Service Oct 66. Underframe from OBO 104 renumbered from 123 One compartment 5,000 gallon Tank from South Australia.
Arp 69	Red Circle
Oct 80	Reclassed OVA
Jul 85	Renumbered
Dec 88	In Storage Cannon Hill
Jun 91	Withdrawn from service.

QR 4 bogies 

QR 3 Bogies

OV 79  (44535)	In Service Jun 68. Was OR 25591, Tank Tulloch, Underframe Ipswich WS. Built Aug 52. QR 4 bogies. 5,000gallon single compartment.
Feb 74	Red Circle
Jul 85	Renumbered
May 88	Reclassed OVA

The history cards for OV 74 to 79 are a dog’s breakfast, some have four numbers, entries have been crossed over and very few dates. Trust, I got it correct.

Looking hard, the Plume signage is visible.

I feel dome’s on a tank wagon will break or make the wagon, obtaining the correct size is another thing. Photos of the wagons look very different to the plan on some of them. One plan for all wagons.

 

There are a few holes in the information and if by chance you can fill them holes, or throw some light on them it would be very much appreciated.

Models.

The first couple of wagons for the layout were scratch build similar to that in other posts on tank wagons. Styrene underframe, acrylic rod turned down in the lathe, scratch built domes and decals I could purchase that were similar. In short, what I could find and it would “look like” the real thing was used. 

The rivets are Micro-Mark 84985 Rivet Detail Decals HO scale. I have tried to purchase more, but all out of stock in Australia. They were available direct from Micro-Mark, 2 sheets for $29.00 US, but they are now sold out and the postage was $125.00. Archer decals are no longer available as well.

OV 50 was built in the same way.

Adding walkways to the wagons have been achieved a few different ways. Number one issue is having they straight. Using Super Glue often leads to bits falling off and what material is available. Some walkways on older wagons were timber, newer wagons its steel mesh of some design. Older wagons often had the wooden walkway replaced with steel. 

To have a straight / lever walkway, a length of angle or a special jig made from styrene is used.

After drilling the first hole, a pin is used to keep the tank straight so the remaining holes are all in a straight line. The side of the jib is used to start the hole.

Brass rod is used to make the walkway supports.

The material is cut to size and rolled was a steel rod (Cutting blade handle) to made the walkway as flat as possible.

This time around the brass strip was soldered to one side to assist in keeping the mesh straight.

 Using two blocks of wood, the mesh was soldered to the supports. The ladder was also soldered to the walkway.

Brass mini strip is used for straps holding the tank to the wagon.

I also use this strip to make my hand brake levers.

As I build my rollingstock, I record was what was used so next time I’m not starting from scratch.

A few years back Caintode Flats produced a three-dome wagon. I was able to purchase a couple not fully completed.

I did play around with the domes to make them the same as OV 31. Only to find out after painting that OV 31 was a welded tank??? As they say, look before you jump??

OV Tank Wagon on Stannumvale layout with “Plume” markings.

At the last Brisbane Model Train Show, PGS scale models was selling OV 60 kits. These are a 3D printed kit that came with bogies, brass parts and decals. Much the same as the OLE wagons in the previous blog post.  

A knife blade was used to add extra wood grain texture to the walkways.

To have the handrails all at the same level, scrap styrene sheet was cut to size for a template.

For me the dome was a little low, I bump up the height with ·060” styrene. 

 

OV 60 was on my “to do” list, I had purchased the decals from Ted’s Decals some time back. I’m unsure if there were other tank wagons with the same signage. I have a feeling there was a similar wagon with Avgas signage with the flying red horse. I have a photo with the date shown as 1952 with a tank wagon with signage Mobil Diesel Fuel, same format as the power Kerosene wagon, can’t see the number. 

 PGC did have other OV tank wagons, but I ran out of cash.

 

Stop Press – There has been industrial issues at Amby West, the shunter went on strike about lighting at the station and toilet block. There was power/lights on the northern side of the tracks, but nothing on the southern side. They indicated that there have been snakes in the toilets at night. I guess they were correct about that, but I leave it up to you on the type??? May be the trouser breed??? 

Lights have also been installed in the Cold Stores building. 

Over the holiday period, all trees on the layout have been made new, maybe that could be the next post. Scenery is what makes the layout and gives a place for our trains.

On Westgate I have made up a fuel train and it have been running, it can be viewed on YouTube. 

Until next time, have fun and enjoy the hobby. Trust 2026 will be a great one for the hobby.

 Arthur H.  

 

Acknowledgements.

Australian Model Railway Association Queensland Library.

QR Plans.

Historians and other modellers, John Armstrong, Keith McDonald

Internet, various sites. 

Queensland State Archives