M
any small towns in the transition era had at least
one bulk oil dealer, which usually was affiliated
with a major oil company. Around 1940, there
were more than 30,000 of them across the United States.
Thus the rail sidings for these dealers represent a significant
industry throughout North America. My own modeling is set
in the coast of central California in 1953. I plan eventually to
have at least one oil dealer in each town on my layout, and
will choose appropriate regional oil companies where pos-
sible. Sure, national brands like Texaco and Shell may well
have been present, but why not add to the identification of
the region modeled, by choosing companies like Union Oil,
Richfield, or Associated? I may even include Standard Oil of
California, in the 1950s using the marketing name “Chevron”
(today the whole company is renamed Chevron).
I have long photographed and collected photos of surviving
bulk oil dealerships, many of which were rail-served at one
Getting Real column
by Tony Thompson
How to arrange elements of this commonly
found industry ...
Getting Real Column - 1
Modeling a bulk oil dealer
Modeling real railroads and what they do
