‘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"
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.
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
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.
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service between Blisworth and Banbury will be withdrawn and Helmdon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"
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