‘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
Paul Parsons's Page
Lives in Brackley, Northants and is a volunteer signalman on the Severn Valley Railway. Enjoys all aspects of local railway history.
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Paul,
This is the link.....
http://thesmjr.ning.com/forum/topics/smj150-150-years-since-the-railway-arrived-at-towcester
Peter
Hello Paul,
Good point!
Though we're not just in cyber space!
We had a get together in Stratford last year...and something is being planned for 2016...in anticipation of 150 years since the line began..
SMJ150...!! There is a thread in the forum on the subject, I think!
Kind regards,
Peter
Hello Paul,
I think most of us fall into the same category...either being aware of the railway in our childhood, then coming across it, so to speak , in another age and time....
It is fascinating to hear/read about the line in its heyday..although, I think, it never really had one.....Still, it was, and is, part of the landscape of the area....you can still see the remains..!
Kind regards,
Peter
hello Paul,
A warm welcome to the SMJ site!
Do you have any connections with the line?
Peter