‘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
Blisworth Ironstone shed
Blisworth Ironstone Co loco shed and locos. 1966-12-24.
Add a Comment
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Comment by Stephen on September 19, 2012 at 9:29
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No wonder it's quiet it's Christmas eve.
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Comment by John Evans on September 16, 2012 at 2:22
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"Siemens" and "Ettrick" outside - it all looks suspiciously quiet!
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Comment by Andy Thompson on February 8, 2012 at 19:59
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Nice one Stephen - that makes sense. Thanks Andy
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The item that is being refered to is the digging arm of the Ransomes And Rapier 5360 Stripping Shovel.
It is refered to as 'The Pole'. The pole slots into a hole in the middle the jib of the 5360. You are looking at the rack side of the pole and you can clearly see the racks. Inside the jib were 2 cog wheels, these connected with the rack, so when the driver lifted the pole to either dig or dump the overburden the pole would be moved in or out. The chamfered end was connected to the bucket.
The pole was a spare item. It may have been there since the 5360 was moved from Irthlingborough.
When Blisworth closed the 5360 was taken apart and reconstructed at Stewarts & Lloyds Buckminster quarries. The tonnage that was sent from Blisworth, was taken over by Buckminster.
You can also see the jib of a rock drill on the right hand side and the other excavator in blue is probably a 37RB it is a dragline.
You can see pictures of the 5360 being reconstructed at Blisworth on the Blisworth web site.
Stephen
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How about some kind of feeder, an archimedean screw? Andy
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I have examined my original high-res scan but am not much wiser. I don't know what it is but it appears to have been there for a long time, judging by the stains on the three concrete supports. It might possibly be part of some form of rotary crusher for iron ore but that it just a guess on my part. I don't think it is part of an excavator or drag-line as it doesn't look right for that. Anybody else got any ideas?
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What is that long thing behind the gaurds van, mid right? Andy
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