‘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
Black 5 at Towcester Station, mid 60's (Ron Fisher)
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Comment by Gary on December 14, 2012 at 7:39
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It is in the "loop" so perhaps she has been caught mid shunt.
Looking at the exhaust and steam is there a possibility she's actually setting back? I know such evidence of the steam and exhaust cannot be taken for 100% but just a thought.
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Comment by John Evans on December 13, 2012 at 20:47
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Nice shot. 5287 was a Northampton regular but the train looks to be running "wrong line."
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Comment by Ron Fisher on July 2, 2009 at 22:01
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Towcester in Northamptonshire was once a junction station on the Stratford upon Avon and Midland Junction Railway. It boasted a supurb signal box which can be seen in this January, 1964 view wiith Black 5 class 4-6-0 45287 on a freight working. Passenger services on the SMJ had been withdrawn long before this time.
Ron Fisher.
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