‘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
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
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Comment by John Evans on September 16, 2012 at 17:34
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By the way, only the station side was black - the forecourt side was left natural brick colors.
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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.
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Comment by Dick Bodily on September 13, 2012 at 14:00
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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
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Comment by Si Donal on September 12, 2012 at 18:40
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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!
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