55 Gallon Drums

[OldStone]

At about what time did 55 Gallon steel Drums (now found all over the world) first appear on the narrow gauge railroad scene?

[japasha]

Sometime in the late 1880s replacing wooden barrels as oil could seep through the seams.

[ASIANLIFE]

Did the oil drums change much in their design over the years?

I have some 1/48 scale from a Tamiya WW2 set, and wonder how appropriate they were for before the war.

Paul

[Ken]

     Paul
  Looking at photos taken (circa 1900) of the SHELL facilities in China
and there is no difference in drums from todays drum. Two pressed ribs.
  There were different styles, some shaped like wood barrels. Sure it is OK  to use WW11 drums back to 1900.
  Ken
    GWN

[Larry S.]

The N&W Ry had some oddly shaped barrels in company service. They were shaped like a wooden barrel, had standard bung holes on the top end and were 50 gallon capy. They were marked for the N&W on the top. They were arround like forever. Hardly ever see one now.

Larry S.
Southern Ohio Narrow Gauge RR