‘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"
.
SMJ Forum
More building at Towcester 3 Replies
I hear there has been more building at the station site in Towcester.Anyone know what they've dug up?…Continue
Tags: Towcester
Started by Andy Thompson. Last reply by John Evans Apr 19.
Loco N° 5. 2-4-0T 1 Reply
Hi everybodyI’m building a OO gauge model of Fenny Compton and Clifford Sidings over here in Belgium.Quite a strange idea but so be it…In view of this I plan to transform a RTR Beatie Well Tank into SMJR N° 5 the 2-4-0T and use some etchings for the…Continue
Started by Jack Freuville. Last reply by Simon Dunkley Mar 17.
SMJ seats at York Museum ? 1 Reply
I took my grandson to the National Railway Museum on Dec. 30th and noticed two bench seats, of the type found on station platforms until traditional stations were replaced with bus-shelters. Both bear the title " STRATFORD " - I'll try and upload…Continue
Started by Paul Atherton. Last reply by Simon Dunkley Feb 22.
Broom History Group Event 9th November 2024
Broom History Group will be holding an event at Broom Village Hall 2-4pm on 9th November 2024 including a film on the railway and Broom Junction.…Continue
Started by Simon Stevens Oct 25, 2024.
SMJ photos
-
John Evans
- Male
- Halifax
- United Kingdom
- Blog Posts (1)
- Discussions (17)
- SMJ photos (279)
- Photo Albums (10)
John Evans's Discussions
Towcester Museum -n SMJR exhibition
12 Replies
I was visiting Towcester Museum this week dropping off some artefacts for their SMJ exhibition this summer. This is an excellent museum, but they need more SMJ items to make a proper exhibition. I…Continue
Started this discussion. Last reply by NIGEL Dec 16, 2016.
Blisworth SMJ station use for parcels 1960s
..and presumably you have seen the picture in my album of the reconstructed platforms. I remember them being quite busy with parcels traffic in the mid-1960s, especially at night. I suppose it was…Continue
Started Aug 31, 2011
SMJ number-takers book
5 Replies
While back in the UK earlier this month, I found a couple of old items from the SMJ in my attic. One was a British Railways Rule Book. It is dated 1950. Inside is written in very neat handwriting "W…Continue
Started this discussion. Last reply by John Evans Dec 14, 2010.
John Evans's Page
Latest Activity
"I was there last week and the new building should not affect what little is left of the SMJ in the Towcester area. I did photograph the Tiffield Road bridge which clings to life in a damaged state. Eventually much of the land between Towcester and…"
SMJ bridge at Towcester
Tucked behind Screwfix at Towcester is one of the last SMJ structures in the Towcester area to survive. It carried the Tiffield Road (now Old Tiffield Road) over the Towcester-Olney line. Pictures from Olney side of the bridge are impossible due to…
"Picture No. 18, Branch Lines Around Towcester, Middleton Press, by Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith. There is also a diagram in the same authors' book Oxford to Bletchley plate XXV/XXVI."
0-6-0ST "Cherwell"
"Looks like restoration is now in the pipeline for real. It has been a long wait. A few years ago I tried to donate railway books to sell or raffle for the (presumed) restoration fund for 'Cherwell', but I kind of got the brushoff from the…"
Stoke Bruerne station
"Gosh, this is so encouragingly well preserved and complete - so ripe for demolition and 'redevelopment'. They built them to last back then, didn't they? To me it is part and parcel of education (one of the most important activities…"
John Evans's photos
John Evans's Blog
The SMJ - a good read?
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 7:10 5 Comments 0 Likes
My collection of books specifically about the SMJ totals just seven - and two of these are versions of the same book. But if you are thinking of starting a collection of SMJ books, which ones should you buy?
Book No 1: I started back in 1962 with The Stratford-upon-Avon & Midland Junction Railway by J.M. Dunn (Oakwood Press 1952). It can't have been too popular as I was able to buy a new copy ten years after it was printed, from…
ContinueComment Wall (7 comments)
- At 20:42 on June 30, 2013,
Andy Thompson said…
John. Have you seen the Tiffield station thread on the forum. I've just dragged you into it after deiscovering your image on Fickr of 'Probably' the station site! Sorry!! Andy
http://thesmjr.ning.com/forum/topics/tiffield-station-site?commentId=3138568%3AComment%3A51761
- At 18:01 on January 26, 2013,
Cheque safely here John, many thanks! Andy
- At 19:34 on January 9, 2013,
John Norton said…
- Thanks John, I have just realised you are related to Nick, my local model shop where I spend too much money.
I think my friend George Woodcock who I am building the model of Towcester with has already sent you a email.
Thanks for your help
Best regards
John
- At 17:51 on July 1, 2011,
Hi John thanks for the reply if I come across anything I'll give you a call
Cheers
Brian
- At 20:20 on October 5, 2010,
- John
What great photos. We really thank you for them! Andy
- At 20:54 on June 18, 2010,
Peter S Lewis said…
- Hello John,
Welcome to the site!
We shall look forward to your contributions!
Peter
- At 17:51 on June 18, 2010,
- Hi John. Nice to have you onboard. Yes We'd love to see the slides on the side. Tell me more
Andy
© 2025 Created by Andy Thompson.
Powered by
