The ultimate aim of this section is to provide details on all known railway postcards ever published.

Yes, this will be imposssible, but never the less we are going to try….

A basic definition on what constitutes a Postcard: “a card designed and published for postal use”. The general traits are that it has a space for an address and message. It may say “Postcard” or local language equivalent, it may have a box to indicate where a stamp should be affixed, it is likely to be printed on card rather than paper, although some of the photographic “cards” can be rather flimsy. So this excludes completely plain back printed cards and cigarette cards (unless they were printed with dual functionality to be used as postcards). It also excludes photographs although a lot of photograhic prints were printed as postcards or are ink stamped stamped “Postcard” on the back in which case they are included.

A basic definition of “railway”: “anything directly associated with a rail transport enterprise”

So postcards bearing Railway letter fee stamps or even Railway company “Perfin” stamps are covered as are trams. The scope for images on postcards is vast with trains, railway architecture, permanent way, railway related artefacts, and advertising all included. Model and minature railways are also within the definition but postcards featuring images of fair ground rides and “road trains” are outside the scope. Shipping and hotels owned or run by railway companies are also included.

All this said, don’t take these definitions too seriously because if its interesting its likely to be included.

Please do not expect this section to be fully populated any time soon. Priority will be given to areas where members have shown interest and contributions from members will be greatly appreciated.