‘The Stratford Upon Avon & Midland Junction Railway’ (or S.M.J.) was a small independent railway company which ran a line across the empty, untouched centre of England. It visited the counties of Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and a little of Buckinghamshire, only existing as the SMJ from 1909 to 1923. In 1923 the S.M.J.became a minor arm of the London Midland and Scottish (L.M.S.), then in 1948 'British Railways'
Gone but not forgotten: "the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth"
Hello everyone, I've just signed up. I'm a lifelong railway enthusiast originally from Dorset; my earliest memory is of being on the train from Wareham to Swanage. I see a few familiar names on here so some of you may know me from the Scalefour…Continue
Started by Simon Stevens. Last reply by Simon Stevens on Friday.
Please find attached a copy of the OS 6" map 1888 - 1913 series that illustrates the subject cable-way (called a tramway on the map) and also the Burton Dassett sidings. This cable-way is mentioned by Arthur Jordan in hos book on the SMJ at pp45, he…Continue
By any chance does anybody have a reasonable photograph of Banbury Merton Road Loco Shed? If so I would like to include into some private research I am intending to share with a small informal group of enthusiasts, it would be greatly…Continue
Started by Dave Hayward. Last reply by Colin Franklin Dec 30, 2020.
Attached is an article on The LMSR Banbury Branches - as you will all see this is from the October 1946 edition of "Railway Locomotives". This monthly bulletin was a publication sent out to members of The British Locomotive Society which seems to have commenced in 1945 and lasted until the mid-1950s. The publication style was almost identical to that of the RCTS "Railway Observer" - not surprising as they used the same printer.
This piece covers both the Blisworth and Bletchley lines to Banbury so hopefully is of interest to SMJ members. What I don't have sight of is the No. 5 December 1945 piece mentioned at the beginning - if anyone has this it would be good to see it as it perhaps contains information of local interest.
As a general point it is worth seeking out copies of "Railway Locomotives" which give the then current details of the workings of the railway, which are so fascinating to readers today.
Interesting article. I worked with the author at Alcan Laboratories in the 1970's and 80's - he was always known as Bill Bryant and was a life long railway enthusiast.
After retirement he continued working as a consultant in the Aluminium industry and travelled widely in Europe to see preserved steam locos.
Barry