‘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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SMJ Forum

Further about Ravenstone Wood Junction

Firstly a belated thanks to Barry for his excellent research that has returned these signal lever plates to their rightful home! [Perhaps their place of residence on the website needs changing!] Apologies for starting s new Forum discussion on this…Continue

Started by Dave Hayward on Saturday.

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 Oct 9.

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 photos

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Blisworth Mail Catching Apparatus

Does anyone know where the "mailbag catching apparatus" was installed, before WWII, near Blisworth Station to serve the up and down expresses?  I have accumulated conflicting opinions and can only rule out the station itself with reference to a 200:1 scale pre-war map that we possess at Blisworth. I am left with (a) near the canal bridge, (b) near the road arch and (c) just about halfway between the two.
Regards  Tony Marsh

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Permalink Reply by David Chambers on December 5, 2010 at 22:08
Tony
The mail catching apparatus at Blisworth, scaled from a section of linen backed map in my possession is:
Measured to the North from the centre of the A43 bridge. Down line 324 yds. Up line 330 yds. The postmens huts are shown preceding the apparatus by approx 6 yds in each direction. Should you wish to view the drawing/map and scale it yourself, you may.
Dave Chambers
Permalink Reply by Tony Marsh on December 6, 2010 at 9:03


David Chambers said:
Tony
The mail catching apparatus at Blisworth, scaled from a section of linen backed map in my possession is:
Measured to the North from the centre of the A43 bridge. Down line 324 yds. Up line 330 yds. The postmens huts are shown preceding the apparatus by approx 6 yds in each direction. Should you wish to view the drawing/map and scale it yourself, you may.

Thank you David - I would like a photo of the track, map markings and huts area. Quite happy to journey to you to do this given you are not to far from Blisworth where I live. I have a weather-permitting break starting Thursday so either could do this very soon or early in new year - what do you think? My phone is 01604 879199. Regards Tony

Dave Chambers

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