‘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"
.
SMJ Forum
PPhoto Albums
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 May 17.
Broom Junction station site for sale 3 Replies
Great opportunity for an SMJ enthusiast perhaps. I'm not sure what you could actually do with this site though!…Continue
Started by Simon Stevens. Last reply by Simon Stevens May 17.
National Archives, Donation and Kineton Photograph
Not sure if others are aware of the significant amount of documents held by the National Archives on the SMJ. The collection consists mainly of Directors Minutes etc. There is also a collection of early 20th C timetables, handbills etc. which I have…Continue
Started by Dave Hayward Apr 26.
Model Railways
HiI'm selling my collection of SMJR related 00 gauge modelsIf of interest for any of you please contact me by mail atjfreuville@gmail.comand I will send you the list and photosKind regardsJackContinue
Started by Jack Freuville Feb 23.
SMJ photos
Towcester station
A sad view, with the demolition men having cleared the signal box and everywhere looking so sad, even from a few weeks earlier. March 19 1966.
Add a Comment
-
Comment by John Evans on September 16, 2012 at 17:34
-
By the way, only the station side was black - the forecourt side was left natural brick colors.
-
-
I've no idea about the black paint. The top was very similar to Blisworth - both had that Methodist chapel look. At this time we went round the whole of the station and I have detailed notes of the layout, rooms and a couple of interior photos which I will post shortly. I also have a "Private" sign here in the USA from a door in Towcester station.
-
Comment by Dick Bodily on September 13, 2012 at 14:00
-
Si,
It was certainly already like it when the Banbury line closed in 1951 as photos taken on the last day show, much earlier photos show a canopy in place and no black finish just plain bricks. Perhaps it was done when the canopy was removed. One person who might know why would be Evan Dines' daughter, Mrs Townsend, if anyone is in contact with her. She turned up at a couple of Stoke Bruerne get togethers and said that her memory of the station house was that it was extremely cold in winter.
Dick
-
Comment by Si Donal on September 12, 2012 at 18:40
-
Does anyone have any idea when the upper storey of the Station was painted black and why? Was it a waterproofing measure with a tar type paint? It always looks a little odd!
© 2026 Created by Andy Thompson.
Powered by
You need to be a member of The SMJ Society to add comments!
Join The SMJ Society