Monthly Feature
November 2001

Supertest Tankers

 This 1936 Ford was undoubtably the pride of the fleet
Note the cool art-deco fender skirts , and abundance of chrome.
The "tank-wagon" driver's uniform includes a bow tie , breeches
and leather leggings.


"Brand Spanking New"
1959 International Harvester --- single axle truck , tandem axle trailer
This is Supertest Tank Truck # 729-59
Ontario licence plates are 1959



Wow ! --- 1967  'A'-Train
1967 , Canada's Centennial Year and the fleet  keeps growing .
Tractor # 6789  pulls "Lead" Trailer # 6790T and "Pup" # 6791T .

This "A" train would most likely have been based out of the
Supertest Road Truck terminal location in North York in Toronto
 This 1967 White Freightliner bears a 1968 Ontario licence plate.
Purchased together , these Fruehauf trailers remained a pair , usually for life .
The "lead" had three product compartments totaling 7000 gallons,
 and the "pup" had two compartments holding 4500 gallons max .
These trailer combinations were replaced by the "B" train of today with
 a 5th wheel on the back of the first trailer , much easier to back up and
  safer, although "A" trains are still in use in other provinces today .



" SUPERHEAT "
       SuperHeat was  the name of the Supertest home heating division .
This 1960 International, #1635-60 , is painted Supertest Orange with black fenders
 The "wings" on the door logo read "Supertest Petroleum Corporation Ltd"
This tanker was likely from a company operated location , otherwise
 the "agent" would have put his business's name in this area.
  The "Caution" A-frame for sidewalk safety would be a neat collectible today.

It is Supertest Tank Truck #94
I believe this is a GMC truck . Ontario Licence plate is 1929.
Note the 'Supertest High Compression Gasoline' pump decal

Supertest Tank Truck  # 172 carried a 1931 Ontario Licence Plate in this photo.
I believe this is another General Motors Truck (GMC)  but I am uncertain of the year.
Barely visible just behind the door handle is a  10 Ton Ontario Gross Vehicle Weight plate.


 

"SUPERTEST " SERVICE FLEET
Seven early tank trucks (two with hard-rubber tires) line up in  front of
Supertest Station #1 on Dundas Street in London soon after it opened in 1923,
and again  at the refinery just east of Quebec Street in London. (below)

Parade Day ?
Close examination reveal the licence plates are 1925.
Covering the sides of the lead tanker are 8 supertest signs  as shown below ,
 and the sign on either side of the hood reads
"SUPERTEST " SERVICE FLEET
 

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