Historical information

FROM - Arapiles Council Shire Depot
This iconic MOBILE fuel bowser was often referred to as a "tall red” —commonly seen on Australian farms, rail sidings, and rural service stations, especially from the 1930s through the 1950s. These weren’t just fuel pumps—they were character-filled pieces of early machinery infrastructure.
Height: Often over 5 or 6 feet tall.
Colour: Bright red enamel or painted steel, sometimes with yellow or white signage (Shell, BP, Mobil, etc.).
Tank Shape: Narrow and vertical cylindrical tanks, or a rectangular steel box mounted vertically.
Pump Mechanism: Often hand-operated (rotary or lever pump) and some later versions had 12V electric pumps.
Metering: Some had glass sight bowls, dials, or gravity-fed measuring chambers.
Hose: Usually rubber with brass or steel nozzle; could be coiled and hung off the side.
Replaced over time by 200L drums and eventually modern poly diesel tanks with pumps.
Common Brands: Shell, Mobil, Golden Fleece and BP