‘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
More building at Towcester 2 Replies
I hear there has been more building at the station site in Towcester.Anyone know what they've dug up?…Continue
Tags: Towcester
Started by Andy Thompson. Last reply by Nigel Nov 7, 2024.
Broom History Group Event 9th November 2024
Broom History Group will be holding an event at Broom Village Hall 2-4pm on 9th November 2024 including a film on the railway and Broom Junction.…Continue
Started by Simon Stevens Oct 25, 2024.
Misunderstanding Easton Neston 2 Replies
Hello, I'm a new member and I've searched through the articles and can't find anything specific to my answer/ question. Can anyone help?…Continue
Started by Matt Davis. Last reply by Matt Davis Oct 16, 2024.
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, 2024.
SMJ photos
Easton Neston brickworks
The SMJ served this site from a siding about a mile from Towcester station on the Olney line. One evening (June 23 1966 to be exact) we went and looked over the site, which included this lake - an old clay pit. We were told - but did not believe it - by fishermen that an old engine lay at the bottom of the lake and its chimney had once appeared when the level of the lake had dropped to a very low level.
Albums: SMJ 1964 onwards
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Comment by John Evans on February 18, 2013 at 3:01
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That's really fascinating, Richard. Who would have thought it?
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Comment by Richard Woods on February 17, 2013 at 22:49
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There is indeed a narrow gauge locomotive resting peacefully at the bottom of this lake, approximately 65ft down. The story goes that the mining had come into contact with a vast underwater spring, which was unnoticed by workmen and and the quarry was flooded overnight, and when they returned to work in the morning, everything was underwater. With various small wagons and one locomotive being submerged. I have heard similar accounts from various locals from the Easton Neston Estate and elswhere.
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