‘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
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.
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.
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.
Bridge sign 3 Replies
An East and West Junction and Stratford-On-Avon, Towcester and Midland Junction Railways bridge weight notice, cast iron, 16½"x11¾", the front repainted. As is usual, the company title has been altered to Stratford-On-Avon and Midland Junction…Continue
Started by Graham Ward. Last reply by Russ Firth Jun 1.
SMJ photos
Steven Saunderson's Discussions
Locomotive nameplates
5 Replies
Hi,I'm working on a 5" gauge model of SMJ 16. I'd like to make some nameplates for this loco and I need some details to make these as realistic as possible.Did any SMJ locos ever have nameplates ?…Continue
Started this discussion. Last reply by Si Donal Nov 24, 2012.
Steven Saunderson's Page
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Steve
You have picked the one SMJ loco that seems to have the fewest surviving photographs!! I have long been aware of this and No16 was definitly camera shy. I can confirm the previous comments that no E & W or SMJ loco ever carried a nameplate although one of my notes of interviews with ex employees made in the 1960's does carry the comment that the name "Harvard" was considered for loco 18 at one time. Whether this was an official suggestion or just a rumour amongst the employees I cannot say. The SMJ minute books for the period are incomplete so we will never know. The attractive plates carrying the company initials and running number that appear on many locos are of course very distinctive and an unusual embellishment for such a poverty stricken outfit. To the best of my knowledge none survive with collectors. The worksplates were standard Beyer Peacock items and fitted as stated.
John
Welcome to our merry little band Steve! Andy