‘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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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

More 1960 News

Just to say that in the June RCTS Railway Observer "Nostalgia Corner" there is another feature on 40 years ago.

It concerns the opening of the new spur from the SMJ at Stratford to the GWR with consequent rationalising of signalboxes (due to take palce on June 13).

This new connection was seen as bad news for the Stratford to Broom section of the SMJ.

The article mentions various trains used for learning the new route from Woodford to Honeybourne and mentions Woodford L1 tanks 67740/71 (I remember the latter on the Banbury shuttle). Also 43106 (another Woodford engine - I hadn't realised that these were shedded there) and 48402 (a Tysley engine) running between Banbury and Stratford (presumably using the connection at Fenny Compton?).

Interestingly, and surprisingly, between midnight and 5am on an April Sunday thirty freight trains ran between Broom and Stratford and vice versa.