‘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 Forum
BLAKESLEY and an SMJ stamp
This item has come up in an auction recently and is a glimpse of the practice of carrying mail by train. Apart from the SMJ…Continue
Started by Graham Ward Nov 14.
Further about Ravenstone Wood Junction 1 Reply
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. Last reply by Barry Taylor Oct 23.
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.
SMJ photos
Greens Norton
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Greens Norton Greens Norton wasn't a station on the SMJ, but a very important crossing point. Greens Norton was the point at which the East & West Junction Railway Joined the Northampton & Banbury Junction railway and where in 1864, Lady Palmerston cut the first sod |
The 2009 images were kindly taken and sent in by Kieron Griffiths ~ thanks Kieron!
Greens Norton, at one point had 2 signal boxes but lost its 'Junction' status when in 1910 re-signalling at Towcester gave the station 4 running lines, two out at each end of the station all controlled from Towcester. By June 1910, a second set of rails had been laid to Greens Norton from Towcester a station at the A5 bridge (number 12) and the section was worked as two separate single lines, enabling the Greens Norton Boxes to be abolished.
A new box at Towcester was ordered from The Railway Signalling Co, at a cost of £1, 350. plus £200 for signalling alterations. The Railway Signalling Co, had its plans drawn up by the 5th of July and on the 7th of February 1911 Major Pringle inspected the new work. The former West and East boxes at Towcester were combined into the 3-tiered box we all know, situated behind the footbrige at the eastern end of the island platform.
The re-signalling work enabled savings to be made by the new SMJ, 4 Signal Boxes became one, saving on labour/maintenance, as well as allowing to cuts on trains running through to Blisworth. In the late 80's the former SMJ trackbed between bridges 14 and 15 near the junction of Greens Norton was severed by the Towcester by-pass.
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