‘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"

Welcome to
The SMJ Society

Or sign in with:

SMJ Forum

Aircraft crash 8 Replies

HelloI’m intrigued by the statement found in Wikipedia08/12/1944 Wellington LN845 –C of 11 OTU overshot a forced landing at RAF Stratford and ran onto the railway at the end of the runway. The aircraft was only lightly damaged until it was hit by a…Continue

Started by Jack Freuville. Last reply by Jack Freuville on Sunday.

Link to About my Area website article about the unveiling of Towcester sign 2 Replies

To read the article about the Towcester Running in sign being unveiled follow link below…Continue

Started by Dick Bodily. Last reply by Dick Bodily Dec 21, 2019.

Coaches used on SMJ 1948-1952 1 Reply

I was wondering if anybody could tell me what coaching stock was used on the SMJ between 1948-1952. I've started Building Byfield station building and managed to find basically what locos were used but coaches........? Can't seem to find…Continue

Started by Clive. Last reply by Steve Johns Oct 16, 2019.

Towcester station sign unvieling 1 Reply

The unveiling of the Towcester Station Sign!To all our Towcester area members. Can anyone make the following event in Towcester tomorrow representing the society?Quote:"We have decided to do the unveiling ceremony at 4pm tomorrow, Fri 11 Oct, at…Continue

Started by Andy Thompson. Last reply by Dick Bodily Oct 10, 2019.

SMJ photos

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

If you have any information or photos, sign up and leave us a comment

Add a Comment

You need to be a member of The SMJ Society to add comments!

Join The SMJ Society

Badges | Report an Issue | Terms of Service