‘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"
Following on from the previous discussion about WD passenger trains on the SMJ during the 1940s; it must be said that passenger trains ran on metals connected to the SMJ until the mid 1960s. There was a passenger service from the nearest point to…Continue
Arthur Jordan in his book, The Stratford Upon Avon and Midland Junction Railway - The Shakespeare Route at pp 82 mentions a WW2 late night special from Stratford on Avon to Burton Dassett for soldiers at the CAD. I would envisage that this did not…Continue
Started by Dave Hayward. Last reply by Dave Hayward Jun 16.
AndyAbout two years ago I ended up with some railway matter from a Bill Kendall who had been a Signalman on SMJ ending his railway career at Northampton No 1. I worked with him when I was working in Rugby PSB, I also covered the signa?l boxes at…Continue
Started by Robin Leslie Patrick. Last reply by Dave Hayward Jun 8.
I've always thought that 'stopped by signal' might have referred to a signal given to the driver or guard by the passenger, rather than a railway signal being used. However - it is interesting that there is a signal marked in just the right place near Caldecote Rd bridge, and I wonder if this signal is also relevant to my comment about the temporary block post?
I've got one or two other contacts who might be able to add something to all of this - will give them a try and report back after my hols.
Good find, Barry. It's interesting that the timetable references a signal being at the station, and according to historical maps of the late 1800's, there was a signal post located just before the Caldecote Road bridge, slightly to the east, so this could help pinpoint the location of the halt at the Caldecote Road sight. Although, the maps are from 1885, which are 14 years after the station closed, but I shouldn't think the signalling equipment was reshuffled in the area. The historical maps list all sorts of things, from ground frames to signals to signal boxes, and even chains.
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