Class B tanks carried less volatile fluids such as Derv (diesel), gas oil ("red" diesel), fuel oil (for oil-burning boilers) or lubricating oil and were generally black in colour. Class B tanks were permitted to have bottom discharge outlets. Note the lack of "Highly Inflammable" warnings. This tank was fitted with a pair of heating pipes which would be connected to a static steam supply at the discharge point in order to accelerate the flow of the more viscous fluids carried.
The white star, 2 feet across, at the right-hand of the tank-side, together with the cast star plate on each solebar, denotes that this wagon conforms to the requirements to run in goods trains having an average speed of 35 m.p.h. and stopping at least every 40 miles. This wagon was fitted with handbrake only.
Esso 1921, Martin Skrzetuszewski
All privately-owned vehicles had to be registered with one of the railway companies in order to travel on the main network. Esso 1921 was registered with the LMS as No.162376 and star-plated in January 1942. Tank wagons retained their private ownership and were not nationalised in 1948.
As larger tank wagons with vacuum brakes and roller bearings were introduced from the 1950's, this type of tank saw less and less main line service. No.1921 was donated to the Bluebell RPS by Esso in November 1977 and was initially restored by Wagon Repairs Limited at Esso's expense. A cast plaque affixed to the vehicle records this. The wagon arrived on 25th. April 1978 and was formally presented on 3rd. May.
Esso 1921 is part of our vintage wagon fleet and can be seen in operation on Goods Train Days.
Photo and text © Martin Skrzetuszewski.