NEW JULY 2020.  When a railway decides to embark on new works, we read in the minutes summaries that tenders are invited from interested companies.

This is an example of how they would do this, and comes from the LNER in 1938. It takes the form of a book with 24 printed pages. It is headed "Cleaning and Brush Painting Station Buildings, Warehouses, Signal Boxes, etc at Witham, Kelvedon and Marks Tey from 37 m. 20 chs. to 49 m. 12 chs. on Norwich Main Line."

The work to be done is broken down into individual tasks. Thus one entry for Witham station reads "Refreshment rooms, including bedrooms and sitting rooms, external only. Note - Cement rendered external walls above stringing course to be given one coat cement wash." There is space alongside for the prospective contractor to enter his figure for the job. In this case £2/15/- has been handwritten in.

Materials such as paint would be supplied by the LNER. The quantities allowed were tabulated, as well as the price the contractor would be charged if they used more than that.

The scans have been provided by our member John Palombi from an item in his possession. We thank him for this, and for willingly agreeing that others who might be interested may benefit from them.

This file is word-searchable. It will be available to download as soon as payment has been made. You go to your account and click on ‘Downloads’. New customers create an account as they place their order.G