THOMAS the Aussie tanker
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• A new low-height, squaredoff road tanker has been produced by Australian-based engineer Tom Hockney in association with Shell Australia.
Called the THOMAS (Tanker Having Optirnimum Mass Stability), it is designed to rival the German Topas road tanker and at £125,000 its design costs are considerably cheaper.
The 47,000-litre, 46 tonnes GCW tanker has a centre of gravity of 1,492mm — 207mm lower than the Topas. Its overall height is also down by 338mm.
Hockney's newcomer has a centre of gravity height of 1,616mm, 240mm lower than the 45,000-litre road tanker.
At 2,965mm the THOMAS' overall height is 440mm lower than standard and using underslung BPW air bag suspension its roll stability is claimed to be 40-45% better than today's conventional tankers.
Other strengths include hol low full length side rails and vertical spaces at each corner to absorb initial impact and protect the barrel. The side panels are also said to be 16% deeper than standard.
Shell has commissioned the first two prototypes which were built at the Hockney plant near Sydney. The large volume THOMAS can hold 12,000 litres in the bow but in full Shell specification it tares out at just under six tonnes — 300kg heavier than a comparable spirit tanker.
Hockney's prototypes also have full ABS anti-lock braking and extended hose tray lids. Below them, full length side panels are hinged for easy access to outlets, associated components and running gear. When closed they provide spray suppression and improve the trailers' aerodynamics. This is enhanced by the vortex effect created by the unusual concave rear end with its vertical stop lights and indicators running up the side edges.