‘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.
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.
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.
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.
SMJ photos
Blakesley Hall Terminus
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Comment by Dick Bodily on May 14, 2011 at 19:15
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Si
The line leading to the right was the exchange siding for tranfer of coke, etc from main line wagons in the E&W siding. It curved sharply right after crossing the station yard approach road and ended near the E &W siding buffers. A map in Bob's book shows this siding heading towards the main line signalbox as a result of some inaccurate information inadvertantly passed on to him by yours truely. I've since discovered the true alignment of the BMR from interviews with Bob Salmons who actually worked on the miniature railway (see elsewhere on this website). The BMR siding was hand worked in Bob Salmons day. I've also apologized to Bob Tebb for passing on duff info!
Dick
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Comment by Si Donal on May 14, 2011 at 14:47
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Found it! This picture is in the Blakesley Hall Book by Dr Tebb. It is much clearer in detail. The date is quoted as 1905/6 because the track beyond the gate leads to the right which is where the original terminus was. It has not yet been diverted across the SMJ access road to meet up with the Coal Road of the Goods Yard. The man closest to the camera is standing beside the petrol driven locomotive Petrolea seen in it's original guise. I suspect the picture was used to illustrate the new terminus building.
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I'll contact the forum again and see if I can buy or beg a copy. There is also one of a BHR train at the other terminus with Blacovelsey at the head. I assumed that these were published pics but it seems not. My copy of Bob's book is now on it's way ( I couldn't wait until my Birthday).
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Never seen this one Andy. Should imagine it the same date as the famous photo taken from the station approach road as the same sort of activity is going on. This picture clearly shows how the exchange siding curved around beyond the road crossingtowards the SMJ sidings buffers. Bob Tebb would be really interested in this picture. I'll send him an email. The loco is Petrolia so my guess is 1905 - 1909.
Dick
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Comment by Andy Thompson on May 12, 2011 at 12:59
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If we can work out the rail company - we can crack it. I'll ask Dick. Andy
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Hi Andy,
Sorry I messed up the download for this pic. I obtained the electronic version from a Vintage Photograph's forum hence the watermark. No details were on the forum and I was able to provide them with details! I reckon this is a E&W period picture. The BHR looks new and the laurel hedge is still immature. In LMS era pictures that hedge is a good 8 foot. The colouration of the Signal Box and waiting room matches contemprary photgraphs in the books on the line of Byfield and Fenny Compton. The fencing is not the slanted type that was fitted in the LMS period. I am not sure if this picture features in the Tebbet Book on the BHR? I haven't seen a copy but it's on my birthday list. I am going to plump for Circa 1908 for a date.
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Can we date this Si? Calling Dick!! Andy
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