‘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
Loco N° 5. 2-4-0T
Hi everybodyI’m building a OO gauge model of Fenny Compton and Clifford Sidings over here in Belgium.Quite a strange idea but so be it…In view of this I plan to transform a RTR Beatie Well Tank into SMJR N° 5 the 2-4-0T and use some etchings for the…Continue
Started by Jack Freuville Aug 29.
Olney BRM Sept 2023
Layouts based on actual SMJR locations are few and far between. Due to being given notice on clubroom, Olney as featured in BRM Sept 2023 is for sale!This is a rare opportunity to acquire a beautiful, 15 years in the making, ready to run model…Continue
Started by Nicholas Young Jul 26.
Smj exploring and making new youtube videos 1 Reply
Hi all members.I was wondering if you could help by subscribing to my YouTube channel ‘NWP EXPLORING’ Mainly railway history and some exploring the SMJ .im planning to explore and video more of the SMJ , and if you have a desired area you would…Continue
Started by Neil. Last reply by Henry Jul 10.
Funny Story about Kineton Military Railway 2 Replies
An improbable, funny, but absolutely true story relating to the Kineton military railway.Long after my Army days I still retained an affection and passing interest in Kineton ammunition depot where I served during the 1960s. Coupled to a 'love' of…Continue
Started by Dave Hayward. Last reply by Henry Jul 10.
SMJ photos
0-6-0ST "Cherwell"
We walked from Byfield station to the junction with Byfield Mines and here found, isolated on a piece of track, the saddle tank "Cherwell." She had worked at both Charwelton and Byfield, but now her days in action were over. She was transported to New Street Recreation Ground in Daventry to become a plaything for local kids, but in 2001 she was rescued. She is now at Rushden Transport Museum where one day she may be restored. What a pleasure that would be.
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Comment by Tony Newman on March 15, 2020 at 15:09
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Looks like restoration is now in the pipeline for real. It has been a long wait. A few years ago I tried to donate railway books to sell or raffle for the (presumed) restoration fund for 'Cherwell', but I kind of got the brushoff from the Rushden lot.
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Comment by John Evans on November 3, 2012 at 19:13
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Thanks for this information David. Six inches of concrete, eh? That's a new one on me! Good luck with the restoration.
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Comment by Andy Thompson on November 1, 2012 at 21:43
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Cheers Dave! Andy
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Comment by David Chambers on October 31, 2012 at 23:39
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As the man responsible for aquiring Cherwell for the RHTS I feel I should give an update! This was a response to the Daventry Express when asked about progress Jan 2009.
The RHTS presented their case and were selected from among some fourteen groups for final custody of Bagnell 0-4-0 Cherwell. It was important she remained in the county, as together with our Barclay 0-4-0 No 9, from the Irchester pits, thence coupled with our tippler wagons a scene could be recreated truly representative of the once expansive Northamptonshire ironstone industry.
The society has spent initially £2000 on recovery and transportation of Cherwell from Daventry to our Rushden site. Society members having voluntarily carried out work in preparation for the haulage contractor.
A further £2000 has been spent on crane-age to lift the water tank from the boiler and for removal of contaminant insulation.
General stripping also included removal of concrete that had been laid six inches deep in the cab. This has been carried out by members, prior to obtaining a report from a certified locomotive inspector. This report highlighted a major defect in the Copper walled firebox. Minimal maintenance toward the end of her working career had permitted sludge to build around the base of the water jacket which has caused excessive localized temperatures and subsequent sagging to the walls. The smoke box barrel is extensively corroded and requires replacement together with end plate and door. Combined with the obvious costs that will be incurred when the boiler is lifted, together with sourcing of missing parts, it becomes obvious a different approach to the raising of finance will be required.
A restoration fund has been set up which includes a single donation of £2600, though it is now apparent support will be required from other heritage charities as it is not expected to see change from at least £130,000.
David Chambers
Procuring officer RHTS.
© 2024 Created by Andy Thompson.
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