‘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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SMJ seats at York Museum ? 1 Reply

I took my grandson to the National Railway Museum on Dec. 30th and noticed two bench seats, of the type found on station platforms until traditional stations were replaced with bus-shelters. Both bear the title " STRATFORD " - I'll try and upload…Continue

Started by Paul Atherton. Last reply by Simon Dunkley on Saturday.

More building at Towcester 2 Replies

I hear there has been more building at the station site in Towcester.Anyone know what they've dug up?…Continue

Tags: Towcester

Started by Andy Thompson. Last reply by Nigel Nov 7, 2024.

Broom History Group Event 9th November 2024

Broom History Group will be holding an event at Broom Village Hall 2-4pm on 9th November 2024 including a film on the railway and Broom Junction.…Continue

Started by Simon Stevens Oct 25, 2024.

Misunderstanding Easton Neston 2 Replies

Hello, I'm a new member and I've searched through the articles and can't find anything specific to my answer/ question. Can anyone help?…Continue

Started by Matt Davis. Last reply by Matt Davis Oct 16, 2024.

SMJ photos

Woodford Engines working eastwards over the SMJ Route.

I can remember instances in the 60s of light engine working of Woodford WDs, often hauling dead locos, through Blakesley towards Towcester. These often happened on Saturdays. Presumably they were wandering Midland region locos being returned to more familiar territory ie. Northampton. Among the engines I saw were 9Fs including a Crosti. More interestingly the Crosti was accompanied by a B16. I've since learnt that the B16 had a damaged coupling rod and was also seen at Leicester Midland shed soon after. On rare occasions Woodford engines would deputise for failed Northampton locos on SMJR pickup goods. I once saw a K3 on such a duty, and also recall an L1 on an inspection or route learning train.
Obviously there's a lot of info available about regular daily workings with through freights from the GCR line towards Stratford and South Wales by 2F men BUT does anyone have any information about Woodford crews working eastward on any of the workings I have mentioned.

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