‘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"
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SMJ Forum
MORTON PINKNEY LEVEL CROSSING 13 Replies
There was a public level crossing between Blakesley and Morton Pinkney, complete with a gatehouse.Does anyone know how this was operated?Presumably the gates must have been manual and kept closed against road traffic.Early Working Timetables mention…Continue
Started by Barry Taylor. Last reply by Barry Taylor on Sunday.
1959 rail tour 1 Reply
Also full details and timings of this tour on --rail tours 1959-- website with some nice photos of 45091
Started by ray w. Last reply by Simon Stevens Oct 1.
Sunday 9th August 1959 "Grafton " rail tour
Just found this ticket for above rail tour around East Midlands taking in Blisworth, Byfield and Woodford Halse, where 45091 was used. There is a fascinating account of this round trip from Kings Cross on the RCTS website Watford Branch Newsletter…Continue
Started by ray w Sep 29.
SMJ rides again? Broom to Stratford Greenway Proposal
From Bidford on Avon Parish council comes news of the Avon and Arrow Greenway Project whose latest newsletter is here: August 2020 AAGP…Continue
Started by Simon Stevens Sep 14.
SMJ photos
Another magazine article on the SMJ
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.
As always your comments will oblige.
Robin Cullup
Views: 236
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dick Bodily on
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Robin
Thanks also for posting this, both articles now added to the relevent webpage
Dick
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Permalink Reply by Barry Dunwoody on
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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
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