‘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"
An improbable, funny, but absolutely true story relating to the Kineton military railway.Long after my Army days I still retained an affection and passing interest in Kineton ammunition depot where I served during the 1960s. Coupled to a 'love' of…Continue
Started by Dave Hayward. Last reply by Dave Hayward Apr 28.
Electric train staff equipment had been brought into use between Blisworth and Towcester by 9 August 1910 (date of SMJR minute 451 (TNA file RAIL 674/3)) and presumably the new signal box at Blisworth appeared at the same time. In that this was so…Continue
SMJ board minute 1474 of 13 April 1921 (TNA file RAIL 674/4) approved that “the following expenditure be charged to Capital” for year 1920: “Blisworth: Signalling and alterations to Permanent Way, Improvements and additional signalling: £800”. In…Continue
Did this railway (as opposed to the East & West Junction Railway) go into receivership - if so, when. And when did it come out of receivership?Continue
Started by Richard Maund. Last reply by Richard Maund Feb 11.
My opinion on the Blakesley ticket is that it was unissued then clipped to prevent use after withdrawal hence no destination which would be handwritten in the foreign section. Just my theory Dick. Foreign meaning other railway company.
I cannot be sure Dick, but I believe that enthusiasts could buy any tickets from a station and the staff would clip them as proof that they had been sold. If the stations were closed or closing, I'm not sure how accurate the ticket returns to Euston were or whether the money reached the bank! That's how come there are so many Dog Tickets available! This is based upon an article I read about an enthusiast special on the Melton Mowbray line. As to foreign, I guess it was a first class ticket from Blakesley to any non LMS station. It's number 29 and I cannot think that there would have been much call for them at all! I am also fairly certain that the SMJ in the LMS period was latterly 3rd class only!
It's weird that the Blakesley ticket has been used and clipped but there is no starting point station named on it! What does (Foreign) indicate, I wonder? Also I wonder who would have been travelling First Class to Blakesley, perhaps a visitor to the Hall, although CWB himself would have been the late CWB by LMS days.
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