Graham Farish N 373-682B ICI 14 Ton Chemical Tank Wagon ICI Maroon

The production of coal gas created a number of chemical waste by-products and an entire chemicals industry spang forth to extract further useful products from this waste.

Imperial Chemical Industries, formed from a large number of smaller concerns, operated a fleet of tank wagons to convey a wide range of chemical products. As many of these products were not as hazardardous as fuel oils in the event of fire the tanks of ICI wagons did not need to conform to the rules applying to petrol wagons. This maroon colour (possibly originating from 'red lead' paint applied as a rust inhibitor) seems to have been quite commonly used.