SHELL 3000gal RTC

SCA 111 as preserved at Thirlmere. Josh Beveridge

SHELL commissioned Tulloch Ltd at Rhodes, to build four 3000 gallon tankers in the mid 1940’s. These tankers were one of the very few four-wheeled RTC’s used in NSW. The tankers were built as a nominal 3000 gal; the tank capacity is noted as 3110 gal (14,138 litres) on the tank sides. They were originally numbered 33-36. In the mid 1970’s, they were renumbered 001,002,011 and 012. It is unknown when 011 was renumbered 111, or if the others were renumbered also. The tankers carried registration numbers 6270-6273.

Length: Underframe - 17’11½” Tare: Capacity: Gross: Equiv Length: 1.2

Tank – 17’10” (6’1½” diameter)

Coding: Only ever coded SCA, as 4 wheeled wagons were exempt from the ROA recoding system.

Colour Scheme:

- As introduced, the wagon was painted black with white lettering. The tank had a yellow SHELL written on its side.

- Later, the tanks were painted silver with a red SHELL on its side.

Period of Service: Mid 1940’s – early 1980’s. In 1978 only 3 were in service (002, 011, and 012). They were all out of service by 1983.

Operation: They were limited to carrying fuel oil only. Used primarily on an as required basis to country oil sidings.

Modelling: LMR produced a HO scale kit in 1993. It is currently unavailable via AR Kits.

Further reading: The September/October 1980 AMRM (Issue 104) has an article, whilst the Nov/Dec 1980 AMRM (Issue 105) has some follow-up details.