Robilt Tank Wagons By Stuart Mangleson

Robilt O-gauge model railway products were sold between 1947 and 1964. During this time colourful 4-wheel tank wagons formed part of the range and were included in goods train sets as well as available individually boxed. In addition, Robilt Oil Tank Sets with a tender loco and a rake of three different 4-wheel tank wagons were also offered in the 1950’s, however, these sets proved unpopular and were discontinued after a short period of time. In 1951 the Robilt toy train range was expanded with the addition of bogie tank wagons to sell alongside the 4-wheel models. None of Robilt tank wagons were prototypically modelled although the 4-wheel versions with diecast sole bars and the bogie versions have aspects of their designs representative of full-size rail tank wagons that saw service in Australia during the 1950’s. Whilst the colour schemes and petroleum company transfers were progressively revised, buyers were generally offered around five different 4-wheel or bogie tank wagons at any one time, although towards the end of production only SUPERSHELL models were sold in both 4-wheel and bogie form. Prior to the final SUPERSHELL versions, the 4-wheel tank wagons packaged in Robilt goods train sets don’t appear to have favoured a single petroleum company and the particular version one received in these sets appears to have been a random selection at the factory.

It may be asked what was the reasoning behind the decision to manufacture Robilt tank wagons in alternative colour schemes with transfers of different petroleum company products affixed to the sides of the tanks. It certainly wasn’t a first and prior to World War 11 manufacturers of toy trains around the world made huge numbers of O-gauge railway tank wagons in different colours carrying transfers, or logos, of numerous petroleum companies. These wagons were very economical to produce because a common base product could, by the application of alternative paint colour schemes and transfers, become something different thus giving greater choices for the buyer. It also permitted the purchase of one or more examples of a tank wagon with a logo of a favourite petroleum brand. A further advantage for the toy train manufacturer was the ability to quickly update a product by means of a simple change of colours and transfers at very little cost. In the early post war years Australian petroleum producers were all actively attempting to consolidate and increase their market share. It was a time when private car ownership in Australia was expanding and various marketing strategies were devised to build brand loyalty for what was essentially a common product. The oil companies also identified that it was important to promote their particular brand ‘beyond the bowser’ by implementing promotions focused on motorists’ children with giveaways such as passbooks that were rubber stamped when fuel was purchased for the family car. Slogans and logos also formed a major part of this strategy with GOLDEN FLEECE having a golden merino ram as its logo and MOBIL a flying red horse. Ron Titchener, the proprietor and founder of Robilt Products, approached several petroleum companies in Melbourne in early 1947 to ascertain interest in having their product names and logos depicted on the sides of his planned Robilt toy railway tank wagons. It is not known whether he negotiated formal agreements, however, it is understood that some form of undertaking was entered into that included the colours in which the wagons would be painted as well as transfer styles and designs. All transfers were water slide type with some supplied by the oil companies, however, it appears that the majority were produced by De Neefe Signs Pty Ltd of Melbourne, with production expenses covered by the oil companies party to the arrangement with Robilt Products. Ultimately, many different transfer designs were produced by De Neefe Signs Pty Ltd and it is thought that there was on going consultation between Robilt Products (and the later Rytime-Robilt) and the various oil companies because almost all transfers and paint schemes were revised over the time the models were made. For example, there were four different Shell transfer designs affixed to Robilt tank wagons between 1947 and 1964. Some of the individual oil company transfers saw use on both the 4-wheel and bogie versions. However, the ATLANTIC transfer that was affixed to the sides of the short tank 4-wheel wagon was replaced by an almost identical, but larger lettered version for the later bogie tank wagons, perhaps after it was discovered the lettering on the smaller transfer was unsuitable for use on the much longer bogie tank. Some of the transfers were quite simple with unicolour block lettering on a clear carrier whilst others were more complex designs with multiple colours. Curiously, the black and red lettered SHELL MOTOR SPIRIT transfer had a yellow background even though it was always applied on a yellow painted tank. In any case, it should be noted that very few of the transfer designs chosen were representative of what was seen on real world rail tank wagons.

4-wheel versions (circ. 1947 – 1964) • Integral base and tank (c. 1947 - 1950) 4-wheel tank wagons produced during this period were manufactured in sheet brass with the tank, base and end caps joined by spot welding. The tank is 110mm long and, to reduce tooling costs, the end caps were the same pressings that served as smokebox doors on the early 2-4-0 clockwork locomotives. The 135mm long by 52mm wide sheet brass baseplate, with 6mm turned down sides and ends, was formed from a single pressing. Two inverted U-shaped sheet brass axle holders with pieced sides and external diecast alloy axle boxes were spot welded to the underside of the baseplate giving a 57mm wheelbase, although this dimension is variable. Diecast alloy spoked wheels are press fitted onto bright steel axles. Two machined brass buffers were riveted to each buffer beam. The earliest models feature mild steel or aluminium drop link couplings attached to the baseplate by eyelets and have a diecast zinc alloy dummy filler dome riveted to the centre top of the tank. The first domes have a separate steel cross handle retained in the eyes of two small cotter pins.

The earliest production revision saw the modification of the filler dome where the separate cross handle was deleted and replaced by a change in the casting to incorporate two vertical stubs, or projections, on the top.

Sheet brass tank wagon - note filler dome with cross handle

Sheet brass tank wagon – note revised dome with long vertical stubs

The next revision saw the replacement of the drop link couplings with automatic versions featuring a fixed upper hood above a hook that pivots up and down to affect coupling with an adjoining wagon. The pivoting movement of the hook is limited as it presses against the buffer beam, requiring the buffer beam to deflect during coupling and uncoupling. The next revision saw the replacement of sheet brass with light gauge tinplated steel for the construction of the superstructure. The baseplate pressing was also revised with the omission of the turned down sides and the elimination of the spot welded axle holders replaced by diecast zinc alloy sole bars with integral enclosed axle boxes riveted to both sides of the wagon base. The wheelbase was increased to 63.5mm. Unfortunately some of the early zinc alloy sole bar diecastings are prone to distortion and ultimate failure due to progressive embrittlement growth from casting impurities. Accompanying these changes saw the fixed hood coupling replaced by a re-designed version, with a lifting hood, that did not deflect the buffer beam when coupling and uncoupling as was the case with the earlier design. The buffer material also started being changed from brass to steel around this time.

Sheet brass tank wagon – note first style fixed hood couplings

Tinplate tank wagons with cast sole bars – note second type

lifting hood couplings

• Separate tank and base with diecast sole bars (c. 1951 - 1954) The previous ‘integral tank and base’ design was superseded by a new construction method where the tank and base were manufactured as separate assemblies and joined by means of tabs on the ends of four raised supports that were inserted into rectangular slots in the outside of the tank and folded on the inside. The first tank wagons of this design have the same length tank as the previous ‘integral tank and base’ models with identical diecast zinc alloy sole bars riveted to the baseplate pressing and the same diecast filler dome, although some domes feature shorter vertical stubs. Tank wagons from this period were initially fitted with lifting hood type couplings. Later examples have automatic couplings with either rounded or triangular shaped wire drop rings.

Short type tank wagon with separate base and tank assembly

The first production revision of this design saw an increase in the length of the tank from 110mm to 138mm with the base assembly remaining unchanged. Later updates included the change from diecast alloy spoked wheels to sintered iron wheels in two different diameters with embossed spoke representations and the replacement of the diecast alloy filler dome with a pressed bright steel version (in several different shapes) spot-welded onto the tank instead of riveted as was the case with the cast domes. Robilt 4-wheel tank wagons of this design (both short and long tank versions) were produced in a wide variety of paint schemes and transfer styles, although some were made in small numbers resulting in very few survivors.

• Separate tank with ‘Hornby’ style base (c. 1955 - 1964) The final period of Robilt O-gauge toy train production saw a significant revision of the baseplate of all 4-wheel goods wagons where the riveted diecast zinc alloy sole bars were deleted and the baseplate pressing redesigned with integral axle holders very similar in appearance to those on post-war Type 4 Hornby wagon under frames. The wheelbase was reduced to 59.5mm. Although the underframe was revised and its width reduced to 46mm, the tank remained unchanged from the previous model. The new base did not feature axle boxes and longer axles were fitted that protrude through the sides of the axle holders. These wagons have sintered iron wheels in two different diameters with embossed spoke representations press fitted onto bright steel axles. In addition, small wheel spacers (either turned brass sleeves or proprietary eyelets) were loosely fitted on the axles between the wheels and the inside of the axle holders. 4-wheel tank wagons of this design have automatic couplings with either rounded or triangular shaped wire drop rings. It appears that the final 4-wheel tank wagons only carried SHELL or SUPERSHELL transfers with gloss yellow tanks and gloss red bases.

Even though Robilt 4-wheel tank wagons were produced in three principal constructional variants the lack of definitive production information makes it almost impossible to confirm the full range in relation to all colour combinations and transfers of oil companies that were affixed to the tanks. Some models, such as the early LAUREL Kerosene and the later GOLDEN FLEECE versions are especially scarce, indicating that only a small number were produced and, it is conceivable, there may be other original versions still awaiting discovery. The accompanying chart of known Robilt 4-wheel tank wagon models has been developed on the basis of personal observations and discussions with fellow Robilt devotees together with the models that were listed in various Robilt product leaflets or price lists. The chart does not include minor production variations such as changes in buffer shapes and material, changes in the shape of coupling wire drop rings, rivet types, changes in wheel castings, machined sleeve or eyelet wheel spacers, nor the multitude of paint hues (especially reds and yellows) that were used, location of trademarks, coupling eyelet types, etc.

Tank wagon with ‘Hornby’ style base

4-wheel Tank Wagon Production Variations & Catalogue Numbers

A B C D E F G H I

LAUREL KEROSENE - Not Known

White tank, red base, LAUREL Kerosene transfers with

black letters surrounded by a red rectangular border

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MOBILOIL – Not Known

White tank, red base, Mobiloil transfers with dark blue letters and black rectangular border

☼

SHELL MOTOR SPIRIT - 23

Yellow tank, red or black base, SHELL MOTOR SPIRIT transfers with red SHELL letters above black

MOTOR SPIRIT letters on a yellow background

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SHELL X-100 MOTOR OIL - 23

Yellow tank, red base, SHELL X-100 MOTOR OIL transfers with red letters

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SHELL - 23

Yellow tank, red base, SHELL transfers with red letters

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SUPERSHELL - 23

Lighter yellow tank, darker red base, SUPERSHELL transfers with red letters

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POWERCHIEF - 24

White tank, red base, POWERCHIEF transfers with red letters and red & black Caltex star

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CALTEX - 24

White tank, red base, CALTEX transfers with red letters

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PLUME - 25

White tank, red or black base, PLUME transfers with black letters and red rectangular border

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MOBILGAS - 25

White tank, red base, Mobilgas transfers with dark blue letters and red rectangular border

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COR - 26

Dark Blue or mid-blue tank, red or black base, COR transfers with gold letters and red outline

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COR BRITISH PETROL - 26

Cream tank, red base, COR BRITISH PETROL transfers with red COR letters above black BRITISH

PETROL letters and a single black key line COR shield transfer with red COR letters on one end of the tank

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COR - 26

Cream tank, red base, COR transfers with red letters and a single black key line COR shield transfer with red

COR letters on one end of the tank

Note - This wagon uses the same COR transfer on the sides of the tank as the one above except for the removal

of the BRITISH PETROL

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COR - 26

(Silver tank, black base, COR transfers with black letters)

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ATLANTIC PETROLEUM PRODUCTS - 27

Cream tank, dark blue, black or red base, ATLANTIC PETROLEUM PRODUCTS transfers with red ATLANTIC letters above black PETROLEUM

PRODUCTS letters

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ATLANTIC - 27

Cream tank, dark blue or black base, ATLANTIC transfers with red letters

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GOLDEN FLEECE - NA

Yellow tank, mid-blue base, GOLDEN FLEECE transfers with red letters and black outline and a single

smaller ‘GOLDEN MERINO’ transfer on one end of the tank with a shadow image of a ram above GOLDEN

FLEECE with red letters surrounded by a black border

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� - Example sighted ☼ - Photograph of example fitted with incorrect later couplings A - Short tank, integral sheet brass construction for tank and base, riveted diecast alloy dome with

separate cross handle, spot welded axle frames, diecast alloy axle boxes, diecast alloy spoked wheels, drop link couplings

B - As A with riveted diecast alloy dome with two long vertical stubs and the omission of the cross

handle C - As B except automatic couplings with fixed hoods D - Short tank, integral tinplate construction for tank and base, riveted diecast alloy dome with two long

or short vertical stub risers, riveted diecast zinc alloy sole bars, diecast alloy spoked wheels, automatic couplings with lifting hoods

E - Short tank, separate tank and base assembly, tank tabbed to base, riveted diecast alloy dome with two

long or short vertical stubs, riveted diecast alloy sole bars, diecast alloy spoked wheels, automatic couplings with lifting hoods

F - As E but with automatic couplings and wire drop rings G - As F with long tank H - As G with spot-welded pressed bright steel filler dome (in variable shapes) and diecast alloy spoked

wheels and large or small (later) sintered iron wheels I - As H with one-piece pressed sheet metal Hornby type 4 base without axle boxes, large or small

diameter sintered iron wheels and axles with spacer sleeves installed between wheels and wagon base Bogie versions (circ. 1951 – 1964) The date when bogie Robilt tank wagons went on sale has not been ascertained. Even so, based on the known variants, together with dated stockist price lists, it is thought that they were introduced sometime around 1951, or approximately 4 years after the first 4-wheel tank wagons were made. The tank and base of the bogie models were manufactured as separate assemblies and joined by means of folded tabs on four raised supports that were inserted into rectangular slots in the outside of the tank and folded in the same manner as the later 4-wheel tank wagons. The tank assembly has an overall length of 160mm rolled to the same diameter as that used on the smaller 4-wheel versions and with the same end caps spot welded onto the ends of the tank. Interestingly, the four rectangular tab retaining slots in the bogie tanks have identical shapes and positioning as those used on the later 4-wheel tank wagons, indicating that the same punch dies were used to make the 4-wheel and bogie tanks. Tinplate walkways, or footboards, were spot-welded along the upper sides of the tank. Twin filler domes were fitted on the bogie tank wagons. They were identical to those that were fitted on the 4-wheel models of the same manufacturing time frame. As such, the first models featured diecast alloy domes with short vertical stubs that were riveted to the tanks whilst later versions have spot-welded pressed steel domes. The baseplate is 190mm long by 52mm wide with 6mm turned down edges along each side and at both ends. Diecast alloy Bettendorf pattern compensating type bogie side frames are attached to swivelling pressed steel bogie frames by stubs retained by split pins and flat washers. Diecast zinc alloy spoked wagon wheels or solid sintered iron wheels (later), in two different diameters, are press fitted onto bright steel axle rods running directly in the axle boxes. Automatic couplings with rounded or triangular shaped wire drop rings are attached to the base assembly by eyelets. Two machined steel buffers in various shapes are riveted to each buffer beam. Brass or aluminium ladders (later) are attached centrally on each side of the model, connecting the two walkways to the base assembly. Like their smaller 4-wheel cousins, documented production information has not been obtained for the bogie tank wagons making it difficult to accurately identify and confirm the complete range. The accompanying chart was also developed on the basis of personal observations and discussions with fellow Robilt devotees and, it is conceivable, other oil company transfers may have been represented on the models. As per the 4-wheel versions this chart also does not include minor production variations such as changes in buffers, eyelets or the shapes of the coupling drop rings.

Bogie Tank Wagon Production Variations &

Catalogue Numbers

J K

SHELL MOTOR SPIRIT - 41

Yellow tank, red base, SHELL MOTOR SPIRIT transfers with red SHELL letters above black

MOTOR SPIRIT letters on a yellow background

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SHELL X-100 MOTOR OIL - 41

Yellow tank, red base, SHELL X-100 MOTOR OIL transfers with red letters

�

SHELL - 41

Yellow tank, red base, SHELL transfers with red letters

�

SUPERSHELL - 41

Lighter yellow tank, red base, SUPERSHELL transfers with red letters

�

�

POWERCHIEF - 42

White tank, red base, POWERCHIEF transfers with red letters and red & black Caltex star

�

CALTEX - 42

White tank, red base, CALTEX transfers with red letters

�

PLUME - 43

White tank, red base, PLUME transfers with black letters and red rectangular border

�

MOBILGAS - 43

White tank, red base, Mobilgas transfers with dark blue letters and red rectangular border

�

COR BRITISH PETROL - 44

Cream tank, red base, COR BRITISH PETROL transfers with red COR letters above black BRITISH

PETROL letters and a single black key line COR shield transfer with red COR letters on one end of

the tank

�

COR - 44

Cream tank, red base, COR transfers with red letters and a single black key line COR shield transfer with red COR letters on one end of the tank

Note - This wagon uses the same COR transfer on the sides of the tank as the one above except for the

removal of BRITISH PETROL below the COR

�

COR - 44

Silver tank, black base, COR transfers with black letters

�

ATLANTIC PETROLEUM PRODUCTS - 45 Cream tank, red base, ATLANTIC PETROLEUM PRODUCTS transfers with red ATLANTIC letters

above black PETROLEUM PRODUCTS letters

�

ATLANTIC - 45

Cream tank, red base, ATLANTIC transfers with red letters

Note – The ATLANTIC transfers used on the bogie tank wagons have larger letters of a similar design transfers that were used on the 4-wheel versions

�

GOLDEN FLEECE - NA

Yellow tank, mid-blue base, GOLDEN FLEECE transfers with red letters and black outline and a

single smaller ‘GOLDEN MERINO’ transfer on one end of the tank with a shadow image of a ram above GOLDEN FLEECE with red letters surrounded by a

black border

�

� - Example sighted J - Separate tank and base assembly, tank tabbed to base, two riveted diecast alloy domes with short

vertical stubs, cast alloy Bettendorf bogies attached to pressed steel bogie frames via split pins and washers, automatic couplings with wire drop rings, diecast alloy spoked wheels or small or large diameter sintered iron wheels, brass ladders

K - As A with two spot-welded pressed steel domes, small or large diameter sintered iron wheels,

aluminium ladders The range of Robilt bogie tank wagons generally paralleled the smaller 4-wheel models that were on sale concurrently, however, the bogie versions were not included in goods train sets but were only available by way of supplementary purchase. This factor, combined with a significantly shorter period of production than the 4-wheel models, has resulted in far fewer bogie models surviving for modern day collectors. Towards the end of production, as per their smaller 4-wheel counterparts, only SUPERSHELL bogie tank wagons were being offered. However, unlike a significant number of earlier items that had been discontinued, bogie tank wagons were still included in the final 1964 Robilt model railway products leaflet. However, whether they were still being made at this time, or were residual stocks from an earlier production period is unknown.

Paint Schemes Robilt wagons, in both 4-wheel and bogie form, were spray painted with lead base gloss enamel, however, the colour and quality of the paint finish tended to be somewhat inconsistent. The earliest 4-wheel tank wagons were painted in three colours, thus necessitating drying time between each application of the respective colours as well as the requirement for masking. The tank was painted in one colour, the base another and the axle holders and underside of the base gloss or satin black. After the design change to riveted sole bars, the underside of the wagon was left in the same colour as the base, reducing the number of colours from three to two. The tank and base on the later two piece tankers (in both 4-wheel and bogie versions) were painted individually; the tank one colour and the base another prior to assembly. It eliminated the need to mask and paint the wagon progressively as was the case for the early models. The paint colours on all Robilt rolling stock tends to be somewhat inconsistent with quite variable hues being found. For example, even though SHELL MOTOR SPIRIT, SHELL X-100 MOTOR OIL, SHELL and SUPERSHELL tankers all have gloss yellow tanks they are frequently found in noticeably different hues even on examples that are the same constructional type. The majority of these colour variances were the result of minor pigment changes when paint was supplied rather than deliberate revisions. Even so, the later SUPERSHELL tank wagons have noticeably lighter yellow tanks than the earlier SHELL MOTOR SPIRIT, SHELL X-100 MOTOR OIL and SHELL models. As mentioned previously, it appears that the oil companies did influence the colours in which the wagons were painted. For example, all Shell tank wagons, in both 4-wheel and bogie form, have yellow tanks and the Atlantic versions cream coloured tanks, whereas Caltex (and Powerchief) wagons have white tanks. In addition, COR tank wagons were painted in a variety of different colours depending on what type of transfer design was used. It is very doubtful that these colours would have been chosen without some consultation, or influence, from the oil companies who either provided, or funded the transfers. Robilt tank wagons fitted with the lifting hood and wire loop type couplings were painted after the couplings had been fitted, although the wire drop rings were installed after painting, presumably when the wheel assemblies were fitted to the bases. The early fixed hood type couplings were painted black and fitted after the wagons had been painted. The ladders on sides of the bogie tankers were left unpainted and fitted after the attachment of the tank to the base and after application of the transfers.

Transfer Variations After painting, the appropriate oil company water slide transfers were applied centrally to each side of the tank. The transfers were not over varnished after they were applied. A small Robilt trademark is usually affixed to one tank end cap, however, on the very early 4-wheel tankers it is more usual to see these transfers on the sloping panels below the tank. However, like the painting, the positioning of all transfers was inconsistent. Interestingly, there are some visible differences in transfers of the same design. This is a characteristic of multi-coloured transfers produced via the silk screening process where the colour of inks and registration between colours varies, both within a batch and between batches.

COR tank wagons were produced in five different transfer variants, however, the red lettered COR version was created by the removal of the lower part of the transfer containing the words BRITISH PETROL. Both of the COR models with red letters have an attractive COR shield transfer fixed to one end cap. The GOLDEN FLEECE model is the only other Robilt tank wagon with a separate company logo transfer affixed to an end cap. It is not known why other models didn’t feature similar supplementary end cap transfers, however, they must have been difficult to apply on the convex surface and the time spent in their application would have added to the production cost. When Australian oil companies changed trading names, or the products they made were discontinued or renamed, the transfers carried on Robilt tank wagons were usually updated. Even so, it is doubtful if a batch of obsolete transfers would have been discarded because of this. It was probably a case of the change not being effected until the existing supply was exhausted. An example of one of these name changes saw the POWERCHIEF model updated with CALTEX transfers. In addition, the Vacuum Oil Company changed its petrol brand name from PLUME to MOBILGAS in 1954 with the revision being reflected on later Robilt tank wagons.

The length of an oil company transfer, and its suitability on either the short 4-wheel tankers, the long 4-wheel tankers or the later bogie tankers does not appear to have been a significant consideration, because SHELL MOTOR SPIRIT tankers exist in all three types. However, as mentioned previously, the ATLANTIC transfers were used on the 4-wheel tankers were deemed too small for use on the bogie tank wagons and larger, but identical lettering style transfers were made for use on the bogie versions. On the other hand, only one size POWERCHIEF transfer was produced and it was almost too long for the early (short) 4-wheel tank wagons as it abuts each end cap. There are numerous possible reasons to account for the large number of transfer styles that were affixed to these wagons, however, none are known with any certainty. As stated previously, the revision of the transfers may have been done at the request of the oil company depicted on the model or, from Robilt initiating the change in order to update a product that had become stale in the market place or, alternatively, it simply may have been in response to existing silk screens used to make the transfers becoming unserviceable and both Robilt and the oil company taking the opportunity to revise the design when the next batch was made.

Pricing The Robilt Products price list of 1 January 1954 shows the retail price for the 4-wheel tank wagons at 13/6 and 25/- for the bogie versions. The final Robilt Products price list of 1 January 1964 shows the retail price of the 4-wheel tank wagon at 16/3 and 22/9 for the bogie version.

Acknowledgements The author would like to acknowledge and thank Neil Baker, Glen Ball, Clive Enticott, Harley Ferguson, Don Gibson, Ken Heales, Bruce Macdonald, Laurie Mangleson, Stan Ryding and Geoff Taylor for their generous assistance when putting this article together.