‘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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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.

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At 11:08 on February 12, 2017, NIGEL said…: There was also The Micheline, which ran in 1931/2 on the Bletchley to Oxford line.

At 16:28 on January 24, 2010, Frank Cheevers said…: Hello there - afraid that I cannot add much that will be of use but I remember being told by an old hand railwayman that LMS banana trains from Avonmouth to London were routed via the SMJ. As for the Karrier Ro-railer (a splendid looking vehicle), it was trialled between Blisworth and the Welcombe Hotel conveying their guests. Incidentally, it had a less flashy brother - a humble lorry version, which was used by the LNER p.way on the West Highland line.

At 19:23 on January 22, 2010, Peter S Lewis said…: Hello Frank,
Welcome to the site!
I'm sure your observations will be invaluable!

Peter

At 9:31 on January 22, 2010, Andy Thompson said…: Hi Frank. Welcome aboard!! Tell us about the banan trains and the Ro-Railer (Karrier bus hybrid)
Andy

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