Shell Tank Wagons OB Class.

 

Prior to 1926/7, petroleum products were conveyed mainly on the Queensland Railways network in Army tanks mounted on HJ and CJF wagon underframes. The wagons carried OHJ and OCJF classification. 

After this period the oil companies were required to have their own tank wagon fleet, many of the army tanks were transferred to new steel underframe built by various manufactures including the Ipswich Railway Workshops. Some companies had new wagons built. This was carried out various manufactures including interstate. 

Tank wagons carried the “O” classification. Each company had their own class by adding a second letter. “OB” being British Imperial Oil company which became Shell Co of Aust – Shell Australia. 

The OB class is a real mix of wagons, many had their numbers changed for some reason making it difficult to follow. Some were sold to other oil companies. 

The tank wagon story was much the same for all companies, things changed with time.

During the 1960’s many lost their company signage.

1970 onwards wagons were fitted with jacking pads.

1972 onwards, wagons with Ridge Control Bogies (QR 4/5 mainly) became Fast Freight wagons and a red circle were added to the wagon over the coming year.

1984/5. Renumbering of the tank wagon fleet, all wagon carried their own 5 digit number.

1986 The Australian Dangerous Goods Code was introduced to the transport industry. DG signage was added to the wagons.

1992/5. QR Tank wagon modification program. Older wagons received new underframes, mainly being QLX wagon underframes, many of the older wagons were scrapped. This made all tank wagons express freight (red circle) wagons.  

 The diagram below is a summary of information on QR plans, I have a feeling, things changed and it was not updated. 

 

No.	RICS	Year Built	Tank Length	Tank Dia (inside)	Type	Capacity	Bogie Centres	Bogies
1 - 9	43805/13	1927	29’6”	6’	Rivetted	5000 G	21’	BF 1
10	w/off 10/74	1927	21’5½”	5’	Rivetted	2500G	15’6”	BF 1
11	43814	1928	24’9”	6’	Rivetted	4400 G	21’	BF 1
12 - 15	14/43815	1928	29’6’	6’	Rivetted	5000 G	21’	BF 1
16 - 23	43816/21	1929	28’4⅜	6’1½”	Riverred	5000 G	19’	BF 1
24 - 35	43822/30	1929/30	28’4”	6’1½”	Welded	5000 G	21’	BF 1
36	43831	1931	28’5”	6’1½”	Welded Centre sill Frame	5000 G	21’	BF 1
37	43832	1931	25’4”	6’1½”	Welded Centre sill Frame	4400 G	21’	BF 1
38 - 40	43833/43835	1936	28’5”	6’1½”	Welded	5000 G	21’	BF 1
41 – 46	43836/43844	1937	30’	6’1½”	Welded	5000 G	21’	BF 1
47 - 50	43842/43845	1937	30’	6’1½”	Welded	5000 G	19’	BF 2
60,61,68,72 Ex Army Tanks	43850 43851 43854	1950/2	28’9½”	6’2½”	Welded	5000 G	21’	BF 1
76 - 84	43852/63	1952	30’5”	6’1½”	Welded	5000 G	21’	BF 1
85,87,88	43868/43871	1952	30’5”	6’1½”	Welded	5000 G	21’	QR 4
51, 58,59 Ex Army Tanks	43846 43848-9	1953	28’9½”	6’2½”	Welded	5000 G	21’	BF 1
91 - 96	43879	1953	30’5”	6’1½”	Welded	5000 G	21’	BF 1
99 - 104		1953	30’5”	6’1½”	Welded	5000 G	21’	QR 4
71, 55 Ex Army Tanks	43853, 43847	1954	28’9½”	6’2½”	Welded	5000 G	21’	BF 1
105 - 116	43880/43890	1954	30’5”	6’1½”	Welded	5000 G	21’	BF 1
117 - 123	43875/43896	1955	30’5”	6’1½”	Welded	5000 G	21’	BF 1

 1948. OB 67 to OP 5.

1951. OB 68 to OV 48

1948, OB 79 to OC 32 

1948. OB 80 to OC 35 .

1966, OB 103, 104 to OV 77, 78 (Underframes only ??) 

OBA / OBAT Wagons. Plan  P 321 Tank Wagons from WAGR

RICS	Year Built	Tank Length	Tank Dia (inside)	Comps	Gross	Capacity	Bogie Centre	Bogies
43908 – 14	1974	10 185	1 858	1	39 t	26 820	7 010	QR 20
43915 – 16	1975	10 185	1 858	1	38 t	26 820 l	7 010	QR 20
43919 – 43920	1975	8 610	1 848	1	34 t	22 730	7 010	QR 20
43291	1975	8 610	1 848	1	34 t	22 730	7 010	QR 17
43922	1975	8 610	1 848	1	34 t	22 730	7 010	QR 20
43939	1993	8 690	1 867	1	35 t	22 730	BLC f	QR 2
43940	1993	8 690	1 867	1	35 t	22 730	PFC f	QR 4

 OBA Tank Wagons

No.	RICS	Year Built	Tank Length	Tank Dia (inside)	Gross	Capacity	Bogies
137/142	43911/16	1973/75	10185	1858	38.4 t	22,820 Lt	QR 16
145/148	43919/22	1975	8610	1848	34.1 t	22, 730Lt

Wagons 43909 – 43910 placed on QLX underframes 

OBA / OBAT Wagons. Plan  P 321

No.	RICS	Year Built	Tank Length	Tank Dia (inside)	Comps	Gross	Capacity	Bogies
139 – 144	43913 – 8	1974/5	10 185	1 858	1	38 t	26 820 l	QR 20
145 – 148	43919 – 22	1975	8 610	1 848	1	38 t	22 730 l	QR 20

To date I have not been able to find history cards for the wagons, they to have been messed up as well, have found some in with other wagon cards. A search of the State Archives records only turned up correspondence between Shell and QR. That was interesting reading as I knew some of the names referred to in the correspondence. 

The follow is a reworked notes from the late Keith NcDonald notes on OB Wagons. 

 

OB 1   Mar 1927

Evans Deakin

Dec 84 Renumbered

43805

OB 2   Mar 1927	Evans Deakin	Aug 84 Renumbered	43806
		Written Off

OB 3   Mar 1927	Evans Deakin	Oct 84 Renumbered	43807
		Written Off	Oct 91

OB 4   Mar 1927	Evans Deakin	Mar 85 Renumbered	43808
		Written Off	Oct 91

 

OB 5   Jul 1927	Evans Deakin	Nov 84 Renumbered	43809
		Written Off	Oct 91

OB 6   Jul 1927	Evans Deakin	Nov 84 Renumbered	43810
		Written Off	Oct 91

 

OB 7   Aug 1927	Evans Deakin	Jul 85 Renumbered	43811
		Written Off	Mar 86

 

OB 8   Aug 1927	Evans Deakin	Jan 85 Renumbered	43812
		Written Off	Dec 90

OB 9   Oct 1927	Evans Deakin	Nov 84 Renumbered	43813
		Written Off	Dec 90

 

OB 10   Nov 1927

E. A Phelan

Written Off

Oct 74

OB 11  Sep 1928	Evans Deakin	Sep 84 Renumbered	43814
		Written Off	Jun 87

 

OB 12  Nov 1928

Evans Deakin

Sold QR  Feb 1980

ORL 31130

OB 13  Nov 1928

Evans Deakin

Written Off May 80

Pioneer Steam

 

OB 14  Dec 1928	Evans Deakin	Oct 84 Renumbered	43815
		Written Off	Dec 90

 

OB 15  Dec 1928

Evans Deakin

Written Off

Oct 79

 

OB 16  Jan 1929	Walkers	May 85 Renumbered	43816
		Written Off	Dec 90

 

OB 17  Jan 1929	Walkers	Nov 84 Renumbered	43817
		Written Off Sep 93	ARHS Rosewood

OB 18  Jan 1929

Walkers

Written Off

Mar 59

 

OB 19  Jan 1929	Walkers	Jul 85 Renumbered	43818
		Written Off	Feb 86

 

OB 20  Jan 1929	Walkers	Sep 84   Renumbered	43819
		Written Off	Feb 86

 

OB 21  Jan 1929

Walkers

Written Off

Nov 67

OB 22  Jan 1929	Walkers	Dec 84   Renumbered	43820
		Written Off May 89	Mary Valley

 

OB 23  Jan 1929

Walkers

Oct 84   Renumbered

43821

 

OB 24  Jun 1929	Evans Deakin	Renumbered OBA 9 – Sep 83
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43822

 

OB 25  Sep 1929	Evans Deakin	Renumbered OBA 4 -Apr 83
		Oct 84. Renumbered	43823
		Written Off	Sep 93.

 

OB 26  Jul 1929	Evans Deakin	Renumbered OBA 6 -Jun 82
		Oct 84. Renumbered	43824
		Written Off	Sep 94.

 

OB 27  Aug 1929

Evan Deakin

Written Off

Jun 59

 

OB 28  Aug 1929	Evans Deakin	Renumbered OBA 3 -Mar 82
		Oct 84. Renumbered	43825
		Written Off	Oct 94.

 

OB 29  Apr 1930	Evans Deakin	Sep 84 Renumbered	43826
		Reclassed OBA	Jul 87

 

OB 30  May 1930

Evan Deakin

Written Off

Feb 59

 

OB 31  May 1930	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Nov 81
		Oct 84. Renumbered	43827
		Written Off	Dec 90.

 

OB 32  May 1930	Evans Deakin	Oct 84 Renumbered	43828
		Reclassed OBA Sep 86
		Reclassed OBAT Aug 92	WHE 31417

 

OB 33  May 1930		Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Apr 82
			Nov 84 Renumbered	43829
			Reclassed OBAT Jul 93	WHEC 31340

OB 34  May 1930	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA	Oct 81
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43830
		Written Off	Sep 94

 

OB 35  Jun 1930

Evan Deakin

Written Off

Oct 54

  

OB 36  Feb 1931	E. A. Phelan	Nov 84 Renumbered	43831
		Reclassed OBA	May 87

 

OB 37  Feb 1931	E. A. Phelan	Oct 84 Renumbered	43832
		Tank mounted on HJCF 29447	Nov 85

OB 38  Feb 1936	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA	Nov 78
		Dec 84 Renumbered	43833
		Written Off	Sep 94

 

OB 39  Feb 1936	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Nov 78
		Jan 85 Renumbered	43834
		Reclassed OBAT Aug 92	WHEC 31562
		Reclassed OBAM	Nov 93

OB 40  Mar 1936	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Nov 78
		Dec 84 Renumbered	43835
		Reclassed OBAT Aug 92	WHE 31463

OB 41  Feb 1937	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Dec 78
		Dec 84 Renumbered	43836
		Written Off	Oct 94

 

OB 42  Feb 1937	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Nov 78
		Dec 84 Renumbered	43837
		Written Off	Sep 94

 

OB 43  Feb 1937	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Nov 78
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43838
		Written Off	Oct 94

 

OB 44  Feb 1937	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Dec 78
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43839
		Written Off	Nov 94

 

OB 45  Feb 1937	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Dec 78
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43840
		Written Off	Oct 94

 

OB 46  Aug 1937	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Mar 78
		Apr 85 Renumbered	43841
		Written Off	Oct 94

 

OB 47  Feb 1939	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Nov 78
		Aug 84 Renumbered	43842

 

OB 48  Feb 1939	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Nov 78
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43843

 

OB 49  Feb 1939	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Oct 81
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43844
		Written Off	Dec 90

 

OB 50  Mar 1939	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Mar 80
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43845

 

OB 51  Feb 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 63 from OCJF 20750
Dec 53	E. A Phelan	New Frame	Reclass OBT Apr 83
		Jan 85 Renumbered	43846
		Written Off	Dec 90

 

OB 52  Feb 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 64 from OCJF 20758
		Written Off  ??	Mar 55

 

OB 53  May 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 69 from OCJF 20772
		Written Off  ??	JAn 55

 

OB 54  Jan 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 79 from	OCJF 20746
		Written Off  ??	Dec 53

 

OB 55  Jan 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 80 from OCJF 20749
Mar 54	E, A, Phelan	New Frame	OBA Jun 84
		Aug 84 Renumbered	43847
		OBAT Sep 92	OBAM Aug 93

 

OB 56  Feb 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 81 from OCJF 20751
		Written Off  ??	Dec 53

 

OB 57  Feb 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 84 from OCJF 20762
		Written Off  ??	Oct 53

 

OB 58  Jan 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 89 from OCJF 20748
Aug 54	E. A. Phelan	New Frame	OBA Mar 82
		Dec 84 Renumbered	43848
		Written Off	Sep 93

 

OB 59  Feb 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 91 from OCJF 20754
Nov 53	E. A. Phelan	New Frame	OBA Oct 81
		Dec 84 Renumbered	43849

 

OB 60  Jan 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 96 from OCJF 20742
Dec 52	E. A. Phelan	New Frame	OBA Apr 80
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43850
		Written Off	Oct 94

OB 61  Jan 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 97 from OCJF 20747
Jan 50	E, A, Phelan	New Frame	OBA May 82
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43851
		OBAT Aug 92	OBAM Nov 93

 

OB 62   Feb 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 98 from OCJF 20755
		Written Off  ??	Aug 55

 

OB 63   May 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 71 from OCJF 20775
		Written Off  ??	Jan 55
OB 64  Dec 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 58 from OCJF 20735
		Written Off  ??	Oct 53

 

OB 65   Jul 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 29 from OCJF 20390
		Written Off  ??	Dec53

 

OB 66   Dec 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 61 from OCJF 20738
		Written Off  ??	Jan 55

 

OB 67   Feb 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 100 from OCJF 20764
		Reclassed OP 5	Feb 50

 

OB 68   Aug 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 32 from OCJF 20397
		Reclassed OV 48	Jun 51

 

OB 69   Sep 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 45 from OCJF 20401
		Reclassed OC 34	Mar 48.

 

OB 70   Sep 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 46 from OCJF 20403
		Written Off ???	Jan 55

 

OB 71  Feb 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 63 from OCJF 20756
Mar 53	E. A. Phelan	New Frame	OBA Jun 80
		Nov 84 Renumbered	43853
	OBAT Aug 92 Frame WHETS 31356		OBAM Nov 93

 

OB 72   Jan 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 75 from OCJF 20740
Dec 52	E.A.Phelan	New Frame	OBA Jun 81
		Nov 84 Renumbered	43854
		Written Off		May 95

 

OB 73   Jan 43	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 95 from OCJF 20739
		Written Off ???	Aug 55

 

OB 74   Aug 42	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 18 from OHJ 18847
		Written Off ???	Jul 54

 

OB 75   Jul 42	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 27 from OCJF 20384
		Written Off ???	Jul 54

 

OB 76   Jul 42	Ipswich W/Shops	Tank CLTB 75 from OCJF 20382
Dec 52	E.A.Phelan	New Frame	OBA Aug 81
		Jul 85 Renumbered	43852
		Written Off		Mar 86

 

OB 76  Apr 52	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Mar 81
		Dec 85 Renumbered	43855
		Written Off	Sep 94

 

OB 77   Aug 42	Ipswich W/Shop	Tank CLTB 30 from OCJF 20391
		Written Off	Jun 51

 

OB 77	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Mar 80
Tank fitted to Frame from HJP 25656 Sep 82		Dec 84 Renumbered	43856
		Written Off	May 95

 

OB 78  Sep 42	Ipswich W/shops	Tank CLTB 44 from OHJ 19463
		Feb 52 Reclassed OB 69

 

OB 78    Jun 52	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Jun 81
		Nov 84 Renumbered	43857
		OBEM Jun 93	QLX 32660

 

OB 79  Aug 42	Ipswich W/shops	Tank CLTB 47 from OCJF 20392
		Jun 48 Reclassed OC 32

 

OB 78    Jun 52	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Mar 81
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43858
		Written Off	Dec 90

 

OB 80  Dec 42	Ipswich W/shops	Tank CLTB 60 from OCJF 20737
		Jun 48 Reclassed OC 35

 

OB 80    Jul 52	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA May 81
		Sep 84 Renumbered	43859
		OBEM Sep 93	QLX 32623

 

About 2007 Bottom Loading and Discharging.  (Mainly Shell & BP).

 

OB81    Apr 43	Ipswich W/shops	Tank CLTB 94 from OCJF 20771
		Jun 48 Reclassed OC 36

 

OB 81    Aug 52	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA May 81
		Nov 84 Renumbered	43860
		Written Off	Sep 94

 

OB 82    Aug 52	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA May 81
		Dec 84 Renumbered	43861
		OBEM Aug 93	QLX 32425

 

OB83    Aug 42	Ipswich W/shops	Tank CLTB 22 from OHJ 18929
		Written Off	Jun 53

 

OB 83    Sep 52	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Jun 81
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43862
		OBET Jun 93	QLX 32425
		OBEM Sep 93

OB 84    Nov 52	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Dec79
		Jan 85 Renumbered	43863
		OBEM Sep 93	CLX 32447

 

OB 85    Jan 53	Evans Deakin	Renumber OB91 Jul 54
		Reclassed OBA May 81
		Sep 84 Renumbered	43868
		OBET May 93	QLX 32537
		OBEM Dec 93

 

OB 86    Apr 53	Evans Deakin	Renumber OB 92 Jul 54
		Reclassed OBA Nov 78
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43869
		OBET Jan 93	QLX 32627
		OBEM Oct 93

OB 87    May 53	Evans Deakin	Renumber OB 93 Jul 54
		Reclassed OBA Feb 79
		Apr 85 Renumbered	43870
		Written Off	Oct 94

 

OB 88    May 53	Evans Deakin	Renumber OB 94 Jul 54
		Reclassed OBA Nov 78
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43871
		OBEM Nov 93	QLX 32652

  

OB 89    May 53	Evans Deakin	Renumber OB 95 Jun 54
		Reclassed OBA Feb 80
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43872
		OBEM Oct 93	QLXP 32462

 

OB 90    Nov 53	Evans Deakin	Renumber OB 96 Jun 54
		Reclassed OBA Jul 81
		Sep 84 Renumbered	43873
		OBEM Sep 93	QLXT 32468

 

OB 91    Jan 54	Evans Deakin	Renumber OB 105 Jun 54
		Reclassed OBA Nov 77
		Jan 85 Renumbered	43879
		OBET Jul 92	WHE 31347
		OBAM Oct 93

 

OB 106    Apr 54	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Sep 77
		May 85 Renumbered	43880
		OBET Jun 93	QLX 32387
		OBEM Sep 93

 

OB 107    Apr 54	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Sep 77
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43881
		Written Off	Oct 94

I'm sure there were other Neptune wagons, sorry I don't know their numbers. 

OB 108    May 54	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Oct 77
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43882
		Written Off	Oct 94

 

OB 109    May 54	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Oct 77
		Dec 84 Renumbered	43883
		OBEM Sep 93	QLX 32607

 

OB 110    May 54	Tulloch	Renumbered OB 85 Jul 54
		Reclassed OBA Sep 77
		Dec 84 Renumbered	43864
		Written Off	Oct 94

 

OB 110    Jun 54	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Sep 77
		Sep 84 Renumbered	43884
		Written Off	Oct 94

 

OB 111    May 54	Tulloch	Renumbered OB 86 Jul 54
		Reclassed OBO Jun 61
		Reclassed OB Aug 71
		Reclassed OBA Dec 81
		Nov 84 Renumbered	43865
		Written Off	Sep 94

 

OB 111    Jul 54	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Oct 77
		Sep 84 Renumbered	43885
		OBET Apr 93	QLX 32655

OB 112    May 52	Tulloch	Renumbered OB 87 Jul 54
		Reclassed OBO Oct 65
	Frame to Mobil Oil	Written Off	Jan 67

 

OB 112    Jul 54	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Sep 77
		Jan 85 Renumbered	43886
		OBET May 93	QLX 32465
		OBEM Dec 93

 

OB 113    May 52	Tulloch	Renumbered OB 88 Aug 54
		Reclassed OBO Jul 65
	Frame to Mobil Oil	Written Off	Dec 66

 

OB 113    Aug 54	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Oct 77
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43887
		OBET Oct 93	QLX 32521

 

OB 114    May 52	Tulloch	Renumbered OB 89 Jul 54
		Reclassed OBO Jun 61
		Reclassed OBA Mar 82
		Renumbered  Oct 84	43866
	Frame to Mobil Oil	Written Off	Dec 66

 

OB 114    Aug 54	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Sep 77
		Dec 84 Renumbered	43888
		Written Off	Sep 94

 

OB 115    May 52	Tulloch	Renumbered OB 90 Jul 54
		Reclassed OBO Jun 61
		Reclassed OB Sep 72
		Reclassed OBA Sep 84
		Renumbered  Oct 84
		Renumbered Oct 84	43867
		OBET Mar 93	QLX 32444
		OBEM Nov 93

 

OB 115    Sep 54	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Oct 77
		Sep 84 Renumbered	43889
		OBEM Sep 93	QLX 32646

 

OB 116    Aug 52	Tulloch	Renumbered OB 97 Jul 54
		Reclassed OBO Jun 61
		Reclassed OB Sep 72
		Reclassed OBA Jun 81
		Renumbered  Aug 84	43874

 

OB 116    Sep 54	Evans Deakin	Reclassed OBA Dec 76
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43890
		OBEM Sep 93	QLX 32646

 

OB 117    Aug 52	Tulloch	Renumbered OB 98 Jul 54
		Reclassed OBO Jun 61
		Reclassed OB Apr 72
		Reclassed OBA Sep 82	HJP 23130
		Renumbered  Jul 85	43875
		Reclassed OBET Jun 93	QLX 32451
		OBEM Aug 93

 

OB 117    Jul 55	E. A. Phelan	Reclassed OBA Aug 77	HJS 22808
		Dec 84 Renumbered	43891
		Reclassed Jul 93 OBEM	QLX 32415
OB 118    Aug 53	Tulloch	Renumbered OB 89  Aug 54
	Frame to Mobil Oil	Written Off		Apr 66

OB 118    Jul 55	E. A. Phelan	Reclassed OBA Oct 77
		Jan 85 Renumbered	43892
		Reclassed Jan 93 OBET	QLX 32508
		Reclassed OBEM Nov 93

 

OB 119    Aug 53	Tulloch	Renumbered OB 100  Aug 54
		Reclassed OBA Oct 84
		Renumbered Oct 84	43876
		Reclassed OBEM Sep 93	QLX 32457

 

OB 119    Sep 55	E. A. Phelan	Reclassed OBA Sep 77
		Sep 84Renumbered	43893
		Reclassed OBET Feb 93	QLX 32550
		Reclassed OBEM  Oct 93

 

OB 120    Aug 53	Tulloch	Renumbered OB 101  Aug 54
		Reclassed OBO Jun 61
		Reclassed OB Apr 72
		Reclassed OBA Nov 80
		Renumbered Dec 84	43877
		Reclassed OBEM Sep 93	QLX 32496

 

OB 120    Oct 55	E. A. Phelan	Reclassed OBA Sep 77
		Sep 84 Renumbered	43894

 

OB 121    Aug 53	Tulloch	Renumbered OB 102  Jul 54
		Reclassed OBO Jun 61
		Reclassed OB Sep 71
		Reclassed OBA Aug 81
		Renumbered Nov 84	43878
		Reclassed OBAT Jul 92
		Reclassed OBEM Nov 93	WHETC 31482

OB 121    N0v 55	E. A. Phelan	Reclassed OBA Nov 76
		Sep 84  Renumbered	43895?
		Reclassed Jul 92OBAT
		Reclassed OBEM Nov 93	WHEC 31603
		Reclassed OBAM Nov 93

 

OB 122    Aug 53	Tulloch	Renumbered OB 103 Jun 54
		Reclassed OBO Aug 63
	Frame to Mobil	Written Off	Aug 64

 

OB 122    Nov 55	E. A. Phelan	Reclassed OBA Oct 77
		Sep 84  Renumbered	43896
		Reclassed Jul 92 OBAT
		Reclassed OBEM Jul 93	QLX32526

 

OB 123    Aug 53	Tulloch	Renumbered OB 104 Jun 54
		Reclassed OBO Aug 63
	Frame to Mobil	Written Off	Oct 66

 

OB 123    Dec 55	E. A. Phelan	Reclassed OBA Oct 76
		Sep 84  Renumbered	43897
		Reclassed Jul 92 OBAT

 

OBY 124    Feb 60	Com Eng	Jan 85  Renumbered	43898
		Reclassed OBYM Sep 93	HO 38668

OBY 125    Feb 60	Com Eng	Oct 84  Renumbered	43899
		Reclassed OBYM Sep 93	HO 37131

OBY 126    Jun 60	Com Eng	Aug 84  Renumbered	43900
		Reclassed OBYM Jun 94	HO 37134

OBE 127    Jul 66

Scotts

Jul 85  Renumbered

43801

 

OBE 128    Sep 66

Scotts

Jul 85  Renumbered

43802

 

OBE 129    Sep 66

Com Eng

Jan 85  Renumbered

43803

OBE 130    Oct 66

Com Eng

Jul 85  Renumbered

43804

 

OBE 131    Nov 66

Com Eng

Apr 85  Renumbered

43805

OBAO 132    Dec 72	Tulloch	Sep 84  Renumbered	43806
		Reclassed OBAOM Nov 93

 

OBAO 133    Apr 73	Tulloch	Oct 84  Renumbered	43807
		Reclassed OBAOM Dec 93

 

OBA 134     Jul 73	Humes ex W. Aust	Oct 84 Renumbered	43908
		Reclassed OBAM Nov 93
		Reclassed OBEM Dec 94	QLX 32409

OBA 135     Sep 73	Humes ex W. Aust	Oct 84 Renumbered	43909
		Reclassed OBAM Oct 93
		Reclassed OBEM Apr 96	QLX 32507

OBA 136     Nov 73	Humes ex W. Aust	Reclassed OBAT Nov 77.
		Renumbered  Jun 85	43910
		Reclassed OBAM Nov 93 Reclassed OBEM Dec 94	QLX 32666

OBA 137     Nov 73	Humes ex W. Aust	Reclassed OBAT  Nov 77
		Mar 85 Renumbered	43911
		Reclassed OBAM Aug 94

 

OBA 138     Jan 74	Humes ex W. Aust	Reclassed OBAT  Apr 77
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43912
		Reclassed OBAM Oct 93
		Reclassed OBEM Nov 94	QLX 32502

 

OBA 139     Nov 73	Humes ex W. Aust	Reclassed OBAT Dec76
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43913
		Written Off	Sep 92

 

OBA 140     Nov 74	Humes ex W. Aust	Reclassed OBAT May 77
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43914
		Reclassed OBAM Nov 93

 

OBA 141     Feb 75	Humes ex W. Aust	Reclassed OBAT Sep 78
		Nov 84 Renumbered	43915
		Reclassed OBAM Feb 94

OBA 142     Feb 75	Humes ex W. Aust	Reclassed OBAT Nov 76
		Sep 84 Renumbered	43916
		Reclassed OBAM Feb 94

OBA 143     Sep 75	Humes ex W. Aust	Reclassed OBAT Nov 76
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43917
		Reclassed OBAM Oct 93
		OBEM Nov 94	QLX32532

 

OBA 144     Oct 75	Humes ex W. Aust	Reclassed OBAT Nov 76
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43918
		Reclassed OBAM Dec 93

 

OBAT 145    Nov 75	ex W. Aust	Reclassed OBAT Dec 76
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43919
		Reclassed OBAM Dec 93

OBAT 146    Nov 75	ex W. Aust	Reclassed OBAT Dec 75
		Oct 84 Renumbered	43920
		Reclassed OBAM Dec 93

OBAT 147    Nov 75	ex W. Aust	Reclassed OBAT Dec 75
		Apr 84 Renumbered	43921
		Reclassed OBAM Jul 94

 

OBAT 148    Oct 76	ex W. Aust	Reclassed OBAT Oct 76
		Sep 84 Renumbered	43922
		Reclassed OBAM Nov 93

 

OBAO 149    Apr 77	Steelweld	Oct 84 Renumbered	43923
		Reclassed OBAOM Nov 93

OBAO 150    Apr 77

Steelweld

Oct 84 Renumbered

43924

 

OBAO 151    Nov 77

Steelweld

Oct 84 Renumbered

43925

 

OBAO 152    Dec 77

Steelweld

Oct 84 Renumbered

43926

OBAO 153    Dec 76	Goninan	Oct 84 Renumbered	43927
		Reclassed OBAOM Dec 93

 

OBAO 154    Dec 76

Goninan

Oct 84 Renumbered

43928

OBAO 155    Dec 77

Ind Eng

Sep 84 Renumbered

43929

 

OBAO 156    Nov 79

Ind Eng

Oct 84 Renumbered

43930

 

OBAO 157    Nov 79

Ind Eng

Nov 84 Renumbered

43931

 

OBAO 158    Nov 79

Ind Eng

Oct 84 Renumbered

43932

 

OBAO 159    Dec 79

Ind Eng

May 85 Renumbered

43932

OBAO 160    Dec 79

Ind Eng

Oct 84 Renumbered

43934

 

OBAO 161    Oct 80

Ind Eng

Sep 84 Renumbered

43935

 

OBAO 162    Nov 80	Ind Eng	Oct 84 Renumbered	43936
		Reclassed OBAOM Dec 93

 

OBAO 163    Dec 80	Ind Eng	Nov 84 Renumbered	43937
		Reclassed OBAOM Dec 93

 

OBAO 164    Dec 80

Ind Eng

Oct 84 Renumbered

43938

 

OBA 43939  Nov 85	ex W. Aust		BLC 31043
		Reclassed OBAM Jun 94

OBA 43940  Dec 85	ex W. Aust		PFC 29474
		Reclassed OBAM Oct 93

OBET 43941  Apr 90	Ex Vic Tulloch		WHEC 31393
		Reclassed OBOT Sep 90
		Reclassed OBOTM Sep 94

OBET 43942  May 90	Ex Vic Tulloch		WHEC 31478
		Reclassed OBOT Sep 90
		Reclassed OBOTM Sep 94

OBOT 43943  Dec 90	Ipswich W/shops		WHETS 31532
		Reclassed OBOM Dec 94

 

Unidentified

What I think were the final three wagons to enter service were NSW wagon tanks fitted to a container frame and used on PCO wagons around 1995. It appears they were scrapped around 2010. 

 

To be honest, I did try to cross check some of the changes and got totally lost. There is a lot more to discover and if anyone can assist to fill in the gaps, that would be great.  Photos could be the best source of information.

There has been a number of derailments involving tank wagons over the years with some catching on fire.   

Tank Wagons in Service July 2012 to June 2013

QR

Class	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun
OLAO	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
OLAOM	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
OLO	8	8	8	8	8	8	8	8	8	8	8	8
OROM	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
OVAO	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
	16	16	16	16	16	16	16	16	16	16	16	16

 SHELL

Class	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun
OBAO	22	22	22	22	22	22	22	22	22	22	22	22
OBAOM	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3
OBEM	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10
OBOM	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3
OBYM	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
	39	39	39	39	39	39	39	39	39	39	39	39

 The following wagons are still on the books in 2018. Most are not available for traffic. What a mix this set of numbers.

Wagon	Location	Wagon	Location	Wagon	Location
OLO 44248	Mackay	OBOM 43937	Townsville	OHO 44188	Townsville
OBOA 43924	Townsville	OBEM 43861	Townsville	OHOM 39003	Townsville
OBOA 43926	Townsville	OBEM 43867	Townsville	OHOM 39009	Townsville
OBOA 43930	Townsville	OBEM 43880	Townsville	OHOM 43643	Townsville
OBOA 43933	Townsville	OBEM 43896	Townsville	OHOM 44166	Townsville
OBOA 43934	Townsville	OBOM 39001	Townsville	OHOM 44174	Townsville
OBOA 44346	Townsville	OBOM 39002	Townsville	OHOM 44175	Townsville
OBOA 44416	Townsville	OBYM 43898	Townsville	OHOM 44176	Townsville
OBOA 44544	Townsville	OCO 44647	Townsville	OHOM 44177	Townsville
OBOA 44545	Townsville	OCO 44648	Townsville	OHOM 44178	Townsville
OBOA 44548	Townsville	OCO 44649	Townsville	OHOM 44179	Townsville
OBOA 44555	Townsville	OCO 44650	Townsville	OHOM 44187	Townsville
OBOA 44556	Townsville	OHAO 44185	Townsville	OMY 44279	Mt Isa
OBOA 44561	Townsville	OHO 44164	Townsville
OBOM 43907	Townsville	OHO 44173	Townsville

 This set of numbers suggests some classifications have been changed (ORO to OBOM and OHOM, some OVAO to OBAO) and previously unused numbers have been allowed to other wagons.  OBOA 44346 started life as OPAO 30 in 1977, then OPAO 44346 in 1984, sold to Caltex, Sold to QR in 1996 and became OLAO 44346 and then OBAO.

 I’m sure some of the information will be different between the various records, and there is more still to be researched. 

 Operations.

 Tank wagons were hot property, both loaded and empty. Often instructions were issued showing trains that they were to travel on.

 

Pinkenba Terminal

Two roads for filling tank wagons and a third drum road for smaller products from the warehouse.

 

Just outside the gate, a flange striker device would activate a warning device to indicate that a shunt was coming into the terminal. 

Shell depot Quiplie, drum platform is a “H” wagon body on stumps.

Not all fuel depots had a private siding at part of their complex. This OB is hooked with a hose in a pit attached to an underground pipe to the depot in the next block away from the rail yards. Charleville.

Some tanks after life on the rails found new life becoming use for water storage and cartage, this one is out at Longreach. Down the Gold Coast one was in a cement plant for many years.   

Models

The construction of the models is the same as previous postings, sorry I have not come up with a better way as yet. The Shell tank wagons are unique to the company, thus not readily converted from other kits. 

Previous postings include the following.

OV Mobil Tank wagons - January 2026 / October 2018.

O..X/E Tanks - December 2025

OP Golden Fleece Tank Wagons - August 2024.

3 dome Tank wagons  - November 2023

OFO Bitumen Tank wagons – June 2021.

OHE Amoco Tank wagons - April 2018.

OB 10 - Scratch built underframe, tank and dome turned from acrylic rod. FNH brass bogies. This wagon would be the smallest on the QR network.

OB 11 - Tank is PVC tube, scratch build frame, Caintode Flats bogies.   

OB 112 – Tank was made from 2 TT BR tank wagons joined in the early 1970’s. The dome was a US casting. The tank was wrapped in rubber and cast in Plastic Bond to form the tank. The underframe was scratch built running on Caintode Flats bogies.  

OB 111 – Same as OB 112 above 

OBO 90 - Tank is PVC tube, scratch build frame, Caintode Flats bogies.  

OB 107 - Tank is PVC tube, scratch build frame, Caintode Flats bogies.

OB 118 - Scratch built underframe, tank turned from acrylic rod, Dome is Branch Line modeler casting. Caintode Flats bogies. 

The “Shell” and “Neptune” decals are available from Teditor Decals on eBay or email teditor@bigpond.com

Also available in black or white are Tank Car data decals, signage is in various sizes and includes underframe markings.

 RMCQ M/T train Show. I had a ball, great to catch up with many other modellers, some travelling hundreds of kilometres to attend. Thanks for the many positive comments. The new KL wagons from CGL Models look magic, great detail again. A couple were running on the Cooloolawah layout.

Before the show I added a couple of signals to Amby West, the same signals are on Westgate. They make the station yard look complete; signals are a must. We will look at them next time around.

Another project I have been working on since I retired (2011) is nearing completion, it has been awesome to have assistance from a number of modelers. The real fun will start painting it, never too old to learn new tricks. ??

A couple of weeks back it was sad news to hear that Bob Gallagher had passed away. Bob took over being editor/managing editor of the Australian Model Railroad Magazine (AMRM) around 1973/4, that’s when the magazine cost around .45c.  Bob also was the first manufacture of QR kits I recall. The “H” open wagon and the “CO” box wagon. And then there was the Jamieson BB18¼ kit under the AUSSI-KITS label in 1975. Each year Bob with a few of his mates would visit the Brisbane Model Train Show and I can’t repeat some of the stories of their Saturday night out on the town, how they made it to the show on Sunday morning I don’t know. I think it's fitting to acknowledge modelers who have made a difference to the hobby and assisted others make their dream come true. May he rest in peace.  

Jamieson BB18¼ kit. Wheels, axles, motor/gear, tender bogies etc. were extra you needed to find.

The plan is in the September/October 1970, Issue 40 of the Australian Model Railroad Magazine. The plan was part of an two part article by Max Chaseling in converting T.T. Tri-ang French pacific into a BETTY.  

Until next time around enjoy the hobby and have fun.

Arthur H.  

Acknowledgements.

Australian Model Railway Association Queensland Library

QR Plans

Queensland State Archives.

Notes compiled by K. McDonald and J. Armstrong.   

Internet.