‘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"
AndyAbout two years ago I ended up with some railway matter from a Bill Kendall who had been a Signalman on SMJ ending his railway career at Northampton No 1. I worked with him when I was working in Rugby PSB, I also covered the signa?l boxes at…Continue
Not sure if others are aware of the significant amount of documents held by the National Archives on the SMJ. The collection consists mainly of Directors Minutes etc. There is also a collection of early 20th C timetables, handbills etc. which I have…Continue
HiI'm selling my collection of SMJR related 00 gauge modelsIf of interest for any of you please contact me by mail atjfreuville@gmail.comand I will send you the list and photosKind regardsJackContinue
The Leamington & Warwick Model Railway Society's N gauge model of Kineton Station will be on display for the very first time at our annual exhibition at Leamington College on 4th & 5th March. Although no scenery has been added yet, the track-work and electronics have been completed, so the layout will be operational throughout the weekend. We are still fact-finding, so would be delighted to chat to any SMJ members who attend the show. Details about the exhibition can be found at www.lwmrs.co.uk.
During our research we recently came across some photos taken by a lady who worked in the ticket office at Kineton, amongst which was this interesting image of a back-to-back snow plough. Given the amount of snow present, we think it must have been taken in the severe winter of 1947. Any thoughts?
There is a hint of L M S, or 3 cleaned areas, on the tender, plus the smokebox number plate does not appear big enough for more than 4 digits, which suggests pre-1950 (at the latest). Given the weather, then the winter of '47 is probably right.
Any chance of any more photos, from the collection and indeed of the layout?