RAILEX

This is included because it uses a telegram to communicate between offices.

Railex was a little known service provided in the UK by the Post Office for sending urgent letters.  The picture below was taken at a Post Office training school and it shows the process.  Due to it's size it is difficult to read.

The Railex system operated as follows:-

1. The letter is handed into a Post Office and the appropriate fees paid.

2. A Postman takes the letter to the railway station.

3. The originating Post Office telegrams the receiving Post Office to advise of the letter.

4. The letter is sent by train to the station closest to the receiving Post Office.

5. A Postman is despatched to the Railway station who collects the letter.

6. The Postman then delivers the letter to the local address.

In 1967 Railex traffic was around 15,000 items per year.  The cost was £1 per item, which could not exceed 1lb in weight.

Last revised: September 06, 2023