‘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"
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. Last reply by Mark Reader Feb 22.
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 Jan 22.
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.
Hi David, just found this excellent site, were avid SMJ followers, just love to walk anong those warwickshire by ways,,,must head your way on my boat sometime soon, Martin.
Sorry David,
I got it wrong. The sound of the digger was heard at Stoke Bruerne. Not Roade. I can quite believe that. Hope you didn't mind my comment but as I was connected with the quarry I thought perhaps I should set the matter straight. I must look out for your book. Sounds as though it will be very interesting.
Regards
Just for your info. The digger at Blisworth which you could hear at Roade was a 5360 Ransomes & Rapier over-burden stripper running on its own rails. Not a dragline !!!
Nothing to do with the SMJ but just to say how much I have enjoyed reading your book 'The Railways of Northamptonshire'. I think it's better written and researched than the other published works on the subject. As a result of being favourably impressed, although not really into canals I have since read your 'Waterways of Northamptonshire' and started getting interested in these as well, visiting Ellesmere Port museum on my way back from Wales recently. I also saw the butty boat 'Raymond' moored up near Stoke recently and wondered if you own it nowadays. Next on my reading list is 'Bread upon the Waters' which I bought the other day.
David. Its so good you have joined. I thank you so much for your help with my website all those years ago. Look where we are now! I hope you can add to the site and look forward to hearing from you
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Hi David, just found this excellent site, were avid SMJ followers, just love to walk anong those warwickshire by ways,,,must head your way on my boat sometime soon, Martin.
I got it wrong. The sound of the digger was heard at Stoke Bruerne. Not Roade. I can quite believe that. Hope you didn't mind my comment but as I was connected with the quarry I thought perhaps I should set the matter straight. I must look out for your book. Sounds as though it will be very interesting.
Regards
It's come a long way hasn't it since I stood in for you at Towcester that year! Glad you are contributing, keeping the memory alive!
Andy
Can you give me the details of your Railways of Northamptonshire book and I will mention it on the further reading page
Thanks
Andy
Nothing to do with the SMJ but just to say how much I have enjoyed reading your book 'The Railways of Northamptonshire'. I think it's better written and researched than the other published works on the subject. As a result of being favourably impressed, although not really into canals I have since read your 'Waterways of Northamptonshire' and started getting interested in these as well, visiting Ellesmere Port museum on my way back from Wales recently. I also saw the butty boat 'Raymond' moored up near Stoke recently and wondered if you own it nowadays. Next on my reading list is 'Bread upon the Waters' which I bought the other day.
Best wishes
Dick
Good to have you with us!
Peter
Andy