‘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
SMJ keys from the Towcester area
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 on Thursday.
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.
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.
SMJ photos
Loco model
Dear all
A long time ago; 10 to 20 years, there was an advertisement in the Railway Modeler for a kit of a SMJR 0-6-0 tender loco
Does anybody have any information on this and is there a chance of getting one.
Best regards
Jack
Views: 219
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Barry Taylor on
-
Jack
I do remember this kit, but I'm struggling to recall the actual manufacturer. It was for a OO gauge Beyer Peacock double frame 0-6-0 (cant remember whether it was curved or straight footplate, but I think curved) and was advertised as being suitable for several railway companies that operated these locos including a mention of the SMJR. The only other thing that I recall was that it was an etched brass kit rather than white metal - so I didn't follow it up as my soldering skills were not up to it !
I have a feeling that there was also a OO kit for a Beyer 2-4-0 tank loco - also advertised as suitable for the SMJ. It may or may not have been from the same supplier, but again I think that it was brass. Next time I see a pile of old Railway Modellers I'll have a flick through the adverts and might just spot it - if it comes back to me in the meantime I'll let you know. I should think there is the off chance of finding a kit at a collectors fair or maybe on EBay ?
Regards
Barry
-
Permalink Reply by Si Donal on
-
The Beyer Peacock 0-6-0 Tender Kit was by Keyser of Banbury (later known as K's) and now marketed by NuCast. The kit is for a Beyer Peacock 0-6-0 of the GWR. They are sometimes called Armstrong Goods. There are similarities with this loco and the E&W locomotives although the footplate is straight. They share a body type with the more famous Deans Goods too although these are inside framed locomotives. I beleive that Ks are no longer manufacturing but I have seen these loco's come up occasionally on Ebay for around £80! They are available from Nucast see link
http://www.sherwoodmodels.co.uk/osc/index.php?cPath=22_212
There was also a conversion kit for the Mainline/Hornby Dean Goods but I don't recall who did that (Crownline springs to mind) and they are certainly not making them now.
An alternative for kit-bashing might be the Kirtley Midland 2F. It is outside framed and has a curved footplate. It is an expensive option though to part build a kit and then make such dramatic alterations. SMJ/E&W locomotives are very difficult to scratchbuild because of the outside frames. This kit is also available from
NuCast.http://www.sherwoodmodels.co.uk/osc/index.php?cPath=22_212
The 2-4-0 Tank Loco was marketed by Peter K. It is now sold by Kemilway. http://www.kemilway.com/peter-k.html
Yes indeed, our little line is difficult to model in pre- grouping days. The LNWR thio and the LBSC C Class are available as Kits though.
-
-
If it helps I have traced SMJ No 2 the earliest of the Beyer's with the smaller 4ft 6 in wheels. I traced it from the Beyer records on the MOSI website. The original is 10mm/1 foot scale but easily copied to smaller scales. If anyone wants a copy, please send me a message. I will have a go at the 2-4-0 tanks and two other later Beyer 0-6-0s for which I have drawings also. I have a superb side on photograph of No 13, the "express" 2-4-0 from which I think I can make a drawing. If I succeed, I'll be happy to post it here.
-
Permalink Reply by Simon Dunkley on
-
Number 13 was basically the Kirtley design produced for the H&BR, albeit with a standard BP belpaire boiler fitted. As such, the basic dimensions can be taken from the HMRS book on H&BR locos.
The 2-4-0 tanks were covered by Tom Lindsay in Model Railways many years ago - about 1960, I think. I can give you precise details in a few days: my railway room is under wraps due to redevelopment etc, and my SMJR folder is tucked away out of reach.
Si Donal said:If it helps I have traced SMJ No 2 the earliest of the Beyer's with the smaller 4ft 6 in wheels. I traced it from the Beyer records on the MOSI website. The original is 10mm/1 foot scale but easily copied to smaller scales. If anyone wants a copy, please send me a message. I will have a go at the 2-4-0 tanks and two other later Beyer 0-6-0s for which I have drawings also. I have a superb side on photograph of No 13, the "express" 2-4-0 from which I think I can make a drawing. If I succeed, I'll be happy to post it here.
-
Permalink Reply by Gary on
-
Sorry to hi-jack or resurrect an old thread but thought folks would be interested in this specific SMJ site group: Modelling Group
© 2025 Created by Andy Thompson.
Powered by
