‘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

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Last Rites026

Last Rites026

Here I am feeling all chuffed because I have received a copy of my book titled 'Last Rites.' It tells the story of the destruction of Britain's steam railways and includes plenty of SMJ photos and a description of walking the whole railway 50 years ago, during which time I got arrested. Honest!!. It has 200 pictures, many from the Northampton area and includes ironstone lines. Available from Amazon and The Model Shop, Northampton.

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Albums: SMJ 1964 onwards

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Comment by John Evans on April 24, 2016 at 11:51

Thanks Terry. It was fun recalling the old days, although not the hassle at Kineton military base! 

Comment by Terry Andrews on April 23, 2016 at 8:21

Hi John, Just got my copy of your book off Amazon.  Thoroughly enjoying it especially around the area of Woodford Halse and the GCR, an area I am very familiar with.
A great set of photographs that accompany the book as well.
Many thanks for producing it.

Comment by Jean Cholerton on April 15, 2016 at 15:04

Thank you for the `Last Rites` mention.  I have just ordered it online for my husband`s birthday.

He will be chuffed.  He is currently working on what was the SMJ (Broom junction/Stratford section) planting suitable hedging/trees for wildlife. 

Best wishes to the all the members of the S.M.J. Society.

Jean Cholerton 

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