‘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"
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.
Shall we bring this discussion under the proper heading!So far as the OS plan surveyed 1885, published 1886, is concerned: the OS liked - wherever they could - to have text running parallel to the top and bottom borders. When they came to add the…Continue
Started by Richard Maund. Last reply by Richard Maund Feb 10.
I've recently added a new page with a quite extensive and rather illuminating interview with Bob Salmons, an ex SMJ signalman. There's a lot about the SMJ during WW2 for instance, plus some completely new info about the Blakesley Hall Miniature Railway which I've forwarded to Bob Tebb, but unfortunately too late for his book. Bob Salmons' page can be reached from the *Pages Menu*. I'm hoping to add other SMJ men's memories if possible and am hoping to interview a fireman soon. There's also Clive Boardman's ( Woodford fireman) experiences in these pages. There are also on the main site Brian Dunn's entertaining recording of Lenny Haynes (relief signalman) and Andy series of recordings of his interview of Eric Pickles ( porter, shunter and guard).
Does any one know any other retired SMJ men who might be interested in sharing their memories? There's a facility to add recordings over the phone. I've got a bit of time on my hands nowadays and am always willing to go and interview any ex SMJ men in the Northampton/ Bedford area aor over the phone, then type up their memories as a new page.