Late 1960s/Early 1970s Oil Trains

[lather]

In my February 1968 LMR Freight Train Loads Book, it has a section on block oil trains from Stanlow and Ellesmere Port, giving the composition of the trains. In addition to detailing the booked loco type and the maximum number and size of tank wagons, there's also a column for barrier wagons. Am I correct in assuming that the number in this column, which is either 0, 2 or 4, means the number of wagons between the loco and the tank wagons? And would there be a similar number required between the tanks and the brake van.

 

There's also a column for "Additional B.R.O.", which I assume is for any additional brake vans over and above the first. I'm guessing that this is for those trains that need a second brake van at the other end of the train because it has to reverse direction at some point. Is that correct?

 

And finally, what wagons would be most common as barriers in the late '60s and early '70s, and when did the requirement for them end?

[Hal Nail]

Some discussion of barrier wagon usage into the diesel era in this thread.

 

 

[BR traction instructor]

Barrier requirements and the types of wagon (in latter years a minimum tare weight and having a roof were stipulations) permitted to be used changed over time so it is important to consider the commodity involved (varying barrier/separation requirements, e.g. look at the barrier conditions for some explosives below), the routing of such traffic (e.g. for runrounds) and the era that it is happening in. An accurately dated picture helps considerably in demonstrating the variations.

 

Here is the 1969 Working Manual definition of barrier wagons.

 

See next post below for the 1968 LM Freight Train Loads book consist requirements for specific block oil trains.

 

BeRTIe

 

Edited March 17, 2022 by BR traction instructor

[BR traction instructor]

Edited March 17, 2022 by BR traction instructor

[BR traction instructor]

By the 1980s the Working Manual contained more specific barrier wagon requirements and a table of separation instructions…

 

The 1980s picture of mine between Northwich and Hartford demonstrates separation of piped only wagons in practice. The ferryvan separates five similar unfitted anti knock tanks and provides brake force within the piped only portion. The Working Manual white pages instructions applicable to the insertion of the ferryvan amongst the tanks are below the pink pages…

 

The 1976 barrier wagon requirement description was similar to that in 1969.

 

The 1983 update on barrier wagons/separation table is below for comparison.

 

BeRTIe

 

 

Edited March 17, 2022 by BR traction instructor

[lather]

Thanks for the masses of information on the general use of barrier wagons over the years - very interesting.

 

However, it doesn't really answer some of my specific questions about oil trains and barriers. Specifically, what types of wagons (e.g. 5-plank opens, 12-ton vans, etc) were most common as barriers around 1970, and when did the requirement for barrier wagons between loco and tanks end on normal oil trains (i.e. those just carrying normal Class A and Class B fuels)?

[Fat Controller]

6 minutes ago, lather said:

Thanks for the masses of information on the general use of barrier wagons over the years - very interesting.

 

However, it doesn't really answer some of my specific questions about oil trains and barriers. Specifically, what types of wagons (e.g. 5-plank opens, 12-ton vans, etc) were most common as barriers around 1970, and when did the requirement for barrier wagons between loco and tanks end on normal oil trains (i.e. those just carrying normal Class A and Class B fuels)?

Wagons used as barriers included:

MGR hoppers (on air-braked trains, of course)

former Banana Vans

various ex-Tube wagons and derivatives, such as Ale Pallets

Plate wagons

ex Ferry CCTs

Insulfish vans.

 

[BR traction instructor]

Here is the 1976 pink pages entry for Inflammable liquids. As you can see barrier protection is not required front or rear unless an electric tail lamp cannot be provided.

 

BeRTIe

Edited March 17, 2022 by BR traction instructor

[BR traction instructor]

This 1971 Periodic notice issued to traincrew narrows the date for oil trains to no longer require barrier protection right down…applies from July 1971…note the exception if a tank carrying Highly Inflammable liquid forms the rear wagon of the train…

 

BeRTIe

Edited March 17, 2022 by BR traction instructor

[lather]

That's great, and exactly the info I was looking for.

[BR traction instructor]

The BR system of updating the publications issued to its staff relied on weekly/periodic notices (issued to and signed for by its staff) to contain/advise of any changes, until the next reprint/reissue of e.g. Working Manual pink pages (for dangerous goods) could show such updates. Thus, weekly/periodic notices have a significant role to play in the narrowing down of dates concerning changes to operating practices, especially if there were several years between reprints/reissues of publication pages. Unfortunately, there seems to be a shortage/significant gaps in the weekly/periodic notices that have survived.

 

This Oct/Nov 71 Supplementary Operating Instructions issue outlines the wagons permitted for barrier use further…

 

BeRTIe

Edited March 19, 2022 by BR traction instructor