‘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

magnet fishing

Hi everyone, yesterday I did some magnet fishing with the grandchildren from the SMJ bridge over the river Tove in Towester, to great excitement of the children (and myself) we pulled out three chair screws and a rivet which looked similar in style…Continue

Started by Steve Camm yesterday.

One of the best preserved SMJ bridges? 1 Reply

I was at Ettington the other day and apart from the good shed, which has had a lot of money spent on it including full glazing, the station building is still there. But my attention went to the station bridge (No. 73?) which is in very good…Continue

Started by John Evans. Last reply by Andy Thompson on Sunday.

Passenger Trains connected to the SMJ

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

Started by Dave Hayward Jun 16.

Wartime passenger trains from Burton Dassett 3 Replies

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.

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John Evans
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John Evans's Discussions

One of the best preserved SMJ bridges?
1 Reply

I was at Ettington the other day and apart from the good shed, which has had a lot of money spent on it including full glazing, the station building is still there. But my attention went to the…Continue

Started this discussion. Last reply by Andy Thompson on Sunday.

SMJ Blog

This is a link to my blog about the SMJ on the Amberley Books web site. I am an author for Amberley - hopefully you may find this potted history entertaining. Here is the direct link: …Continue

Started May 25, 2017

Towcester Museum -n SMJR exhibition
12 Replies

I was visiting Towcester Museum this week dropping off some artefacts for their SMJ exhibition this summer. This is an excellent museum, but they need more SMJ items to make a proper exhibition. I…Continue

Started this discussion. Last reply by NIGEL Dec 16, 2016.

Blisworth SMJ station use for parcels 1960s

..and presumably you have seen the picture in my album of the reconstructed platforms. I remember them being quite busy with parcels traffic in the mid-1960s, especially at night. I suppose it was…Continue

Started Aug 31, 2011

 

John Evans's Page

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John Evans posted a photo
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Pizza Junction, Kineton

One of two station photos on the wall. Good coffee, too!
Sunday
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John Evans posted photos
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3 more…
Sunday
John Evans posted a discussion

One of the best preserved SMJ bridges?

I was at Ettington the other day and apart from the good shed, which has had a lot of money spent on it including full glazing, the station building is still there. But my attention went to the station bridge (No. 73?) which is in very good condition and no longer carries the main A429 road, so will probably last as it is for many years. Thanks to the staff there for letting me wander round and answering my questions.See More
Sunday
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John Evans posted a photo
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Bridge 13, Northampton & Banbury Junction Railway, Towcester.

Clearly the work of Barwells of Northampton, as were all the metal bridges from Blisworth to Cockley Brake. Some of them, but not this one, have the makers name engraved on the side. The line is now a pretty footpath alongside Pocket Park in…
Apr 26
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John Evans posted photos
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Aug 12, 2025
John Evans posted photos
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Apr 19, 2025
John Evans replied to Andy Thompson's discussion 'More building at Towcester'
"I was there last week and the new building should not affect what little is left of the SMJ in the Towcester area. I did photograph the Tiffield Road bridge which clings to life in a damaged state. Eventually much of the land between Towcester and…"
Apr 19, 2025
John Evans posted a photo
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SMJ bridge at Towcester

Tucked behind Screwfix at Towcester is one of the last SMJ structures in the Towcester area to survive. It carried the Tiffield Road (now Old Tiffield Road) over the Towcester-Olney line. Pictures from Olney side of the bridge are impossible due to…
Apr 19, 2025
0 Comments
John Evans replied to Dave Hayward's discussion 'Banbury Merton Road Shed and Britannia Works Tramway'
"Picture No. 18, Branch Lines Around Towcester, Middleton Press, by Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith. There is also a diagram in the same authors' book Oxford to Bletchley plate XXV/XXVI."
Dec 28, 2020
Tony Newman commented on John Evans's photo
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0-6-0ST "Cherwell"

"Looks like restoration is now in the pipeline for real. It has been a long wait. A few years ago I tried to donate railway books to sell or raffle for the (presumed) restoration fund for 'Cherwell', but I kind of got the brushoff from the…"
Mar 15, 2020
Tony Newman commented on John Evans's photo
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Olney Station

"Sad, but still a nice shot."
Mar 15, 2020
Tony Newman commented on John Evans's photo
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Stoke Bruerne station

"Gosh, this is so encouragingly well preserved and complete - so ripe for demolition and 'redevelopment'. They built them to last back then, didn't they? To me it is part and parcel of education (one of the most important activities…"
Mar 15, 2020

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John Evans's Blog

The SMJ - a good read?

Posted on October 11, 2011 at 7:10 5 Comments

My collection of books specifically about the SMJ totals just seven - and two of these are versions of the same book. But if you are thinking of starting a collection of SMJ books, which ones should you buy?

 

Book No 1: I started back in 1962 with The Stratford-upon-Avon & Midland Junction Railway by J.M. Dunn (Oakwood Press 1952). It can't have been too popular as I was able to buy a new copy ten years after it was printed, from…

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Comment Wall (7 comments)

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At 20:42 on June 30, 2013, Andy Thompson said…

John. Have you seen the Tiffield station thread on the forum. I've just dragged you into it after deiscovering your image on Fickr of 'Probably' the station site! Sorry!!  Andy

http://thesmjr.ning.com/forum/topics/tiffield-station-site?commentId=3138568%3AComment%3A51761

At 18:01 on January 26, 2013, Andy Thompson said…

Cheque safely here John, many thanks! Andy

At 19:34 on January 9, 2013, John Norton said…
Thanks John, I have just realised you are related to Nick, my local model shop where I spend too much money.

I think my friend George Woodcock who I am building the model of Towcester with has already sent you a email.
Thanks for your help
Best regards
John
At 17:51 on July 1, 2011, Brian Elphick said…

Hi John thanks for the reply if I come across anything I'll give you a call

 

Cheers

Brian

At 20:20 on October 5, 2010, Andy Thompson said…
John

What great photos. We really thank you for them! Andy
At 20:54 on June 18, 2010, Peter S Lewis said…
Hello John,

Welcome to the site!
We shall look forward to your contributions!

Peter
At 17:51 on June 18, 2010, Andy Thompson said…
Hi John. Nice to have you onboard. Yes We'd love to see the slides on the side. Tell me more
Andy
 
 
 

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