File photography service at The National Archives

[Ross_McNeill]

I will be at The National Archives one or twice a month until the end of next year.

Please drop me a PM if you would like to contract me to photograph files for your research.

Fees are 10 pence per page for entire files, transferred to data disk and sent world wide post and packing free.

I stress that my aim is to copy complete paper files for this sum and excludes microfilmed records and extracts of individual pages.

Please be aware that the page count for most paper Unit ORB files is in the region of 40 GBP to 70 GBP for Groups but some AVIA documents are 2 to 3 GBP.

No worries if you do not have the file reference I'll correspond before the visit to ensure that I copy only the file that you require.

Regards
Ross

[al martin]

I am trying to find out the facts about the supply route for flying fighters from Takoradi to the \middle \east via Khartoum. How was it organised and who took part.
I think there must be some material or photographs about the Takoradi Base in the archives and would be grateful for your help. I note the costs!
Al Martin

[Ross_McNeill]

Copying orders today 9th June 2011.

Next visit planned for first week in July.

Again please PM me with any orders for this batch.

I omitted to say in the preamble that payment by paypal is fine.

Regards
Ross

[Ross_McNeill]

A list of firm price documents and ORBs has been posted on this thread.

http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/showthread.php?11231-Fixed-Price-ORB-and-Document-Copies-from-TNA-files&p=65487#post65487

Regards
Ross

[Mackz]

Hi Ross

I have just received back a quote from the NA estimating service for copying onto CD the ORB's of 8 OTU, 19 OTU and 20 OTU and fallen off my chair.

Estimated average 650 page count per document x £2.80 unit cost = £1,820 for each document + £3 for the CD

This makes your offer look like great value! Do you think they have made a mistake somewhere? I was expecting about 10p a page, making the total closer to £60-£70 each.

Have you already copied these , or are thinking of doing so?

Colin Mackenzie

[Ross_McNeill]

Hi Colin,

The pricing from TNA sounds correct for their cost structure and what I , and others, were quoted for copying paper documents.

My feeling was that Reprograpics was not a service that featured high on the TNA commercial services list and was marketed less than other revenue streams. To be fair they are rather hamstrung because charges are set by civil service rather than the TNA itself.

The estimated page count corresponds to my experience of AIR29 OTU unit ORBs - typically in the region of 400-600 pages for 4+ years, 150-300 pages for 3 or less years. The maximum binding size I have come across is 2.5 to 3 inch and this typically equates to about 700 pages.

My next visit is planned for two weeks time. If time permits I'll photograph one of the files and put it onto the fixed price list.

Any preference (No.8, No.19 or No.20) people?

Regards
Ross

[Mackz]

Thanks for your reply Ross.

My vote is for the 20 OTU ORB. I am starting to go through the casualties buried at Lossie Drainie Cemetery and this would be very useful. 19 OTU is the next, followed by 8 (C)OTU.

I will PM you regarding any assistance I can give.

Colin

[Ross_McNeill]

Hi Colin,

I copied the No.20 OTU ORb last week. The TNA estimate of pages is approximately correct for this document with the final image count working out at 554 pages.

However by my pricing this is £55.40.

Quite an interesting document.
The early entries are more concerned with station standing orders giving guard duty rosters and naming those airmen who still need medical jabs. Also includes the early station defence plan.

As time goes on it settles down to report casualties, staff postings, events etc. Crew details. aircraft details for all leaflet flights as well as individual crew debrief reports from all returning crews.

If someone is researching a air gunner, nav etc all they need to do is look for the pilot name in the debrief flimsies and this will give the target, aircraft code letter, time up, time down, track and comments/results.

I'll put the details on the fixed price list later today.

Regards
Ross

[Ross_McNeill]

Since the transfer of site ownership I am no longer using sales of TNA Files as a fund stream for this forum and am unable to supply any copies in the future.

Regards
Ross