‘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'

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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.

Bridge sign 3 Replies

An East and West Junction and Stratford-On-Avon, Towcester and Midland Junction Railways bridge weight notice, cast iron, 16½"x11¾", the front repainted. As is usual, the company title has been altered to Stratford-On-Avon and Midland Junction…Continue

Started by Graham Ward. Last reply by Russ Firth Jun 1.

SMJ Postage stamps 1911 and 1924

A couple of items recently up for auction.GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND STRATFORD-UPON-AVON & MIDLAND JUNCTION: 6…Continue

Started by Graham Ward May 21.

SMJ photos

Woodford Engines working eastwards over the SMJ Route.

I can remember instances in the 60s of light engine working of Woodford WDs, often hauling dead locos, through Blakesley towards Towcester. These often happened on Saturdays. Presumably they were wandering Midland region locos being returned to more familiar territory ie. Northampton. Among the engines I saw were 9Fs including a Crosti. More interestingly the Crosti was accompanied by a B16. I've since learnt that the B16 had a damaged coupling rod and was also seen at Leicester Midland shed soon after. On rare occasions Woodford engines would deputise for failed Northampton locos on SMJR pickup goods. I once saw a K3 on such a duty, and also recall an L1 on an inspection or route learning train.
Obviously there's a lot of info available about regular daily workings with through freights from the GCR line towards Stratford and South Wales by 2F men BUT does anyone have any information about Woodford crews working eastward on any of the workings I have mentioned.

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