‘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"
.
SMJ Forum
BLAKESLEY and an SMJ stamp
This item has come up in an auction recently and is a glimpse of the practice of carrying mail by train. Apart from the SMJ…Continue
Started by Graham Ward on Friday.
Further about Ravenstone Wood Junction 1 Reply
Firstly a belated thanks to Barry for his excellent research that has returned these signal lever plates to their rightful home! [Perhaps their place of residence on the website needs changing!] Apologies for starting s new Forum discussion on this…Continue
Started by Dave Hayward. Last reply by Barry Taylor Oct 23.
Ravenstone Wood Junction Signal Box-an anomaly 3 Replies
Closely examining the brass lever plates shown in the Olney Line entry in the Index Section of this website I noticed a significant anomaly. Some of the above plates, specifically 1, 10, 11, 12, 25, 32, 34. refer to platforms, loading dock, goods…Continue
Started by Dave Hayward. Last reply by Barry Taylor Oct 9.
SMJ keys from the Towcester area 1 Reply
I have been contacted by someone who wishes to dispose of two sets of SMJ-related keys from the Towcester area, but does not want to put personal email or other details on this website. They have been given to him by the estate manager at Easton…Continue
Started by Barry Taylor. Last reply by Barry Taylor Sep 4.
SMJ photos
Will the Damsel ever Awaken??
Thank you Mr Jennings, will look out for that Mr Jordan book. The adage of the Society infers that 'one day the damsel may awaken' (probably needing 25 years kiss of life by a Prince Charming!!), but I trust it will not be via DIY methods aking Peak Rail etc. In theory a 3rd East--West Rail route could accrue over 30 years, but rather depends on Route 1 being wiser than as of now. The Society could adopt useful aims such as lobbying Councils/Sustrans for footpath work, incl. bridges like over A508; also work with Friends of the Canal Museum to include a small display/one wall devoted to SMJ history, as its Olney Branch went through Stoke Bruerne. Another matter is a newsletter about any events, AGM etc, is there one?? The maximum rail revival possible in theory (but needing £x100 millions, is a Thameslink extension to Towcester, with a new town in Salcey Forest (any trees displaced covered by 5 times as many planted), and battery engine research for pull/push practise north of Bedford; Towcester could grow via such, and Roade could have a dual lines station on the slow lines side. If only..... dream on perhaps, but this is a time for vision making manifesto for 2015 poll, and a general Beeching--in--Reverse agenda for up to 75 lines over 40--50 years, and £50billions, would be quite good thinking in climate terms, if Network Rail's battery engine research is successful?? Food for SMJ thought/s.
Views: 66
© 2025 Created by Andy Thompson.
Powered by
