‘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, 2025.
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, 2025.
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, 2025.
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, 2025.
SMJ photos
31.6 Jan 11 Blakesley looking west
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Comment by Gary on August 17, 2009 at 21:33
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Changed a bit when I took this photo:
https://api.ning.com/files/gnu9fBvFRMWjZsVQqvpNQ6UY5NGnC1kqNNbEqiDN...*Fle1g4A0mq-eoBnYQwX5/TrackbedlookingNorth.jpg_Taken around 1987-89...
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Comment by Peter Fleming on August 17, 2009 at 21:15
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Yes the signal is impressive.
I remember there was a very tall one (lower quadrant, LNWR I think) at Billing on the Northampton to Peterborough line.
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Comment by Dick Bodily on August 14, 2009 at 8:28
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Nice to see a picture showing the old ( Midland railway style?) Up Home signal which was incredibly tall. It remained in use right to the end, the other home and starter signals were all of a more modern design by the 60s. My dad was in a wartime troop train which was held up long enough at this signal for a man working in the field nearby to run to Dad's home and fetch my grandmother to speak to her son. The only taller signal it the locality was the Up line LNWR signal at Banbury Lane crossing on the WCML.
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Comment by Andy Thompson on August 13, 2009 at 21:12
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If you follow this link Peter to a video of mine, the self-same shot (only on video) is featured there
Andy
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Yes. It is back to back with the one featuring the station.
Peter
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This from the station road bridge?
Andy
© 2026 Created by Andy Thompson.
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