‘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"

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Ravenstone Wood Junction Signal Box-an anomaly 3 Replies

Closely examining the brass lever plates shown in the Olney Line entry in the Index Section of this website I noticed a significant anomaly. Some of the above plates, specifically 1, 10, 11, 12, 25, 32, 34. refer to platforms, loading dock, goods…Continue

Started by Dave Hayward. Last reply by Barry Taylor on Thursday.

SMJ keys from the Towcester area 1 Reply

I have been contacted by someone who wishes to dispose of two sets of SMJ-related keys from the Towcester area, but does not want to put personal email or other details on this website. They have been given to him by the estate manager at Easton…Continue

Started by Barry Taylor. Last reply by Barry Taylor Sep 4.

Bridge sign 3 Replies

An East and West Junction and Stratford-On-Avon, Towcester and Midland Junction Railways bridge weight notice, cast iron, 16½"x11¾", the front repainted. As is usual, the company title has been altered to Stratford-On-Avon and Midland Junction…Continue

Started by Graham Ward. Last reply by Russ Firth Jun 1.

SMJ Postage stamps 1911 and 1924

A couple of items recently up for auction.GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND STRATFORD-UPON-AVON & MIDLAND JUNCTION: 6…Continue

Started by Graham Ward May 21.

SMJ photos

Re: 44030 at Towcester 1905

The photograph of "4F" 44030, supposedly at Towcester in 1905 raises a few questions. First of all the first "4F" was not built by the Midland Railway until 1911, and 44030 was built (as LMS 4030) in December 1924. It acquired the 44030 number in November 1948, so this photograph is dated on or after this date. At this time the locomotive was allocated to Nottingham (16A), and as such would be an unlikely - but not impossible - traveller along the SMJ.
Further comments would oblige.
Robin

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Permalink Reply by alwyn sparrow on June 20, 2010 at 22:48

I agree with Robin about date of photo also the loco carries a British Railways Lion over the wheel crest on tender which also dates picture. However the gate in foreground of both pictures looks identical it's quite distinctive which points towards the location being the same.
Alwyn.

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Permalink Reply by Barry Taylor on June 21, 2010 at 9:06

At first glance I agree with all that has been said so far about the date / loco / allocation etc - but something strikes me as 'not quite right ' about the photo. Compare the gate and the foliage in the b& w photo with the same in the colour photo ....................all too much the same, down to individual leaves and branches, and even the bit of string (?) attached to the left end of the gate........ is somebody out there playing around with photoshop ?!!!
Looking closer I think that we may have a kit built 4F model overlaid with a b&w version of the colour pic of the gateway - come on Andy - hands up !
Barry T

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Permalink Reply by Dick Bodily on June 21, 2010 at 12:47

Andy

' Hold yer hand out, you naughty boy! '

(extract from a Music Hall song popular in 1905)

Dick

PS You MUST put this picture on Steam Tube to accompany the Photoshop debate.

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Permalink Reply by Andy Thompson on June 21, 2010 at 15:19

Dam! You've rumbled me!! Andy

Dick said:

Andy

' Hold yer hand out, you naughty boy! '

(extract from a Music Hall song popular in 1905)

Dick

PS You MUST put this picture on Steam Tube to accompany the Photoshop debate.