‘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"
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.
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.
With this month's Heritage Railway there's a DVD of the two preserved Great Central Railways made around 2000. Among the locos shown several times in action on both lines is 48305 which of course was a regular between Byfield and Blisworth on the SMJ route especially on iron ore tipper workings but also on Blisworth - Woodford West afternoon workings. Allocated to Northampton (2E) from May 1957 to November 1962, despite being a 'Star Consol' 8F with wheels and motion especially balanced for faster main line freight working it was probably the most regularly seen on the SMJ of the locos that have been preserved.