Very interesting photos. I can imagine a group of probably men in those days rocking around on the rails sorting the post. I don't suppose they got a chance to sit down very often. Much more space in that mail van than we had in the UK ones, as would be expected.
@FreddieUK The TPOs used in Britain - where the concept was invented and post first moved by train as long ago as 1830 - were not luxurious but were also not cramped, and on the later vehicles at least, each sorting desk was fitted with a seat.
I recall viewing one of the older designs, I think at Bressingham Steam Museum, but a quick look on Wikipedia revealed two images of the later pattern.
They were last used in 2004 but some postal traffic is being carried by rail again, although without sorting en route.
This with Acknowledgments to Wikipedia and the Colne Valley Railway, where the particular coach is preserved:
@ArishMell I've walked through a couple, but don't as me where. Possibly the National Railway Museum in York. I've just finished watching Michael Portillo's railway series travelling around Essex and he visited the carriage you have illustrated.
@FreddieUK Well, a similar carriage probably. Colne is in Lancashire - unless there are two Colnes!
I think there is a TPO at York but can't be sure, especially given the nature of its management now!
I recall two young ladies, friends of mine, once arguing the pronounciation; Cohn or CoLne.
Eventually I said, "If you two Lancashire Lasses can't agree how to pronounce your own town names, what hope does a Southerner like me have of getting it right?"
