Brief History Of The Class.

A total of 16 tank wagons of this type were constructed at the Newport Workshops between 1926-27 for the British Imperial Oil Company, who marketed their products under the brand name "Shell". The first 13 wagons had a top discharge outlet, while the last three, Nos. 81, 82 and 83, had a bottom discharge outlet.

The tank and its fittings were designed by British Imperial Oil and manufactured under contract to the oil company by Messrs. Thompsons Engineering & Pipe Co., Nelson Place, Williamstown. The 4-wheel underframes were designed and constructed by the Victorian Railways and united with their tanks at Newport Railway Workshops at a cost to British Imperial Oil of £470 each.

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References: Vincent, Peter, ""Oil Tank" (OT) Wagon Group", Victorian Railways Rolling Stock 1886 - 1996, CD-ROM, 1998

History of OT83 (From P. Vincent)

1927	Assembled at Newport, and was the last of its type built.
1937	Restricted to carry only fuel oil because it did not conform to new standards adopted by the Australian and New Zealand Railways for the transportation of highly inflammable products.
1978	Off register
199?	Restored by CHTR.

Restoration Policy

Painted and lettered to a 1976 scheme.

Heritage Significance

83 Oil Tank is of high significance as the last of its type to be constructed; the only one of its type to survive with a bottom discharge outlet, and the only one of its type with restored painting and lettering.