‘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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Passenger Trains connected to the SMJ

Following on from the previous discussion about WD passenger trains on the SMJ during the 1940s; it must be said that passenger trains ran on metals connected to the SMJ until the mid 1960s. There was a passenger service from the nearest point to…Continue

Started by Dave Hayward Jun 16.

Wartime passenger trains from Burton Dassett 3 Replies

Arthur Jordan in his book, The Stratford Upon Avon and Midland Junction Railway - The Shakespeare Route at pp 82 mentions a WW2 late night special from Stratford on Avon to Burton Dassett for soldiers at the CAD. I would envisage that this did not…Continue

Started by Dave Hayward. Last reply by Dave Hayward Jun 16.

PPhoto Albums 1 Reply

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

Started by Robin Leslie Patrick. Last reply by Dave Hayward Jun 8.

Broom Junction station site for sale 3 Replies

Great opportunity for an SMJ enthusiast perhaps. I'm not sure what you could actually do with this site though!…Continue

Started by Simon Stevens. Last reply by Simon Stevens May 17.

SMJ photos

Ro Railer (possible update)

Hi everyone

I am sure most have you have read my account of the Ro Railer which is on another part of this site. From time to time new tit-bits of info come along and a revision is needed. I would appreciate any comments regarding the following.

1. The story concerning the Ro Railer being used for a journey to Broom and having to return backwards is both amusing and possible. However the source has never been verified and there is no way I feel that this account should be allowed to remain "on record" without some other verification. I feel that I have exhausted all of my research leads on this unless anyone can add substance to the acount I will leave it as a footnote but clearly mark it as "dubious".

2. The disposal of the Ro Railer after its demise in traffic near Byfield has been difficult to acertain. As stated in the essay the vehicle remained taxed for road use at least until 1938 and the assumption was that it was sold for use as a bus/coach. I have now found out that the registration was continued by the LMS and that has led to further enquiries. I have found out that the vehicle was downgraded and used as some sort of PW inspection or maintenance vehicle and that it finished its life on such duties in Scotland. One printed record has come to light that says it served on the Fort William line. Before I revise my essay can anyone add or comment to the above please?