‘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

Greetings from Bidford & a question re. Arrow river bridge at Broom 6 Replies

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 1 hour ago.

Burton Dassett Cableway

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

Started by Dave Hayward on Wednesday.

Banbury Merton Road Shed and Britannia Works Tramway 8 Replies

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.

Michael Mccarthy 2 Replies

I too have received this unusual email, I would think that it a scam. This is the second time I have received it and will always delete it.Continue

Started by Paul Loveday. Last reply by Nicholas Hemming Dec 30, 2020.

SMJ photos

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The Final Day

 

 


Under BR, the former SMJ went into stagnation and very little effort was made to run the line economically. By 1947 the passenger service to Broom from Stratford had already gone. Passenger numbers fell and talk of closures filled the air. July 1951 saw the withdrawal of the Blisworth and Banbury passenger service and April 1952 saw the end of passenger services between Blisworth and Stratford.

  • 07:12 43568 + 1 coach Stratford To Blisworth
  • 08:55 Blisworth to Stratford
  • 10:43 Stratford to Blisworth
  • 12:45 44567 + 2 coaches Blisworth to Stratford
  • 18:40 44525 + 5 coaches Startford to Blisworth
  • 18:50 44568 + 1 coach leaves Blisworth for Stratford



Words posted on a poster at Helmdon station near the end of services

" Closing of Helmdon Village and Wappenham Passenger Stations; On and from Monday 2nd July 1951 the passenger train service between Blisworth and Banbury will be withdrawn and Helmdon Village and Wappenham Stations will be closed for passengers. Alternative facilities for passengers are provided in this area by the various Omnibus services"



Closure of line

  • Woodford South Curve 22.10.1900
  • Roade Curve 24.5.1917
  • Cockley Brake Jcn - Towcester 12.7.1953
  • Towcester - Ravenstobe Wood Jcn 28.6.1958
  • Broom Jcn - Stratford 13.6.1960
  • Woodford West Jcn - Blisworth Ironstone 3.2.1964
  • Burton Dassett - Stratford 1.3.1965
  • Fenny Compton - Byfield Ironstone June 1965
  • Blisworth Ironstone - Blisworth 30.9.1967




44567 At Stratford, 4.5.52. The 2:06 train



Click here to see more 'Final Days' images



Find more photos like this on "The Unofficial SMJ Society" at www.smj.me

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