‘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
Broom Junction station site for sale 3 Replies
Great opportunity for an SMJ enthusiast perhaps. I'm not sure what you could actually do with this site though!…Continue
Started by Simon Stevens. Last reply by Simon Stevens 3 minutes ago.
National Archives, Donation and Kineton Photograph
Not sure if others are aware of the significant amount of documents held by the National Archives on the SMJ. The collection consists mainly of Directors Minutes etc. There is also a collection of early 20th C timetables, handbills etc. which I have…Continue
Started by Dave Hayward Apr 26.
Model Railways
HiI'm selling my collection of SMJR related 00 gauge modelsIf of interest for any of you please contact me by mail atjfreuville@gmail.comand I will send you the list and photosKind regardsJackContinue
Started by Jack Freuville Feb 23.
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.
SMJ photos
2F WDs working to Bristol
In the 1950s/60s we had a regular working of a 2F Woodford Halse WD to Bristol. I was always intrigued by how they got there. Does anybody know if that was via the SMJR please?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by CLIVE BOARDMAN on
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Yes, the working travelled via the SMJ; I was a fireman at Woodford from 1956 to 1958 and worked over the SMJ (the 'Nibble') many times. There were several evening workings over the line from Woodford, mainly to South Wales, all WD 2-8-0 hauled and the Bristol train was the first one out at 7.20 pm (book on 6.00pm, prepare own engine, off shed at 7.00pm, depart Woodford Old Up yard at 7.20pm. Changeover with the return working was at either Evesham or Ashchurch, after which the train presumably travelled via Cheltenham and the ex. Midland main line via Charfield to Bristol.
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Thank you Clive so much for this. I have pondered this question for 60 years! Do you know what was the destination yard for these trains? I suspect that in the case of the South Wales trains in might have been Severn Tunnel Jct.
You mention being relieved at Evesham or Ashchurch. I had not realised that there was a south facing junction at Broom. I recall the new junction being installed at Stratford, but that was, I guess, after your time.
Best Wishes,
Bob Bishop
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I now know about the 1942 south curve at Broom Jct
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Bob Bishop said:Thank you Clive so much for this. I have pondered this question for 60 years! Do you know what was the destination yard for these trains? I suspect that in the case of the South Wales trains in might have been Severn Tunnel Jct.
You mention being relieved at Evesham or Ashchurch. I had not realised that there was a south facing junction at Broom. I recall the new junction being installed at Stratford, but that was, I guess, after your time.
Best Wishes,
Bob Bishop
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Hello Bob, no, sorry, I don't know the destination yards of the trains; I seem to remember that one of the later departures was to Cardiff, beyond that I don't know. Yes, the connection at Stratford for the Honeybourne line was after my time but drivers were learning the new road when I left Woodford in December, 1958. which is strange because I believe the new connection didn't come into use until 1960. Oddly enough I now volunteer on the GWSR at Toddington, usually in the cafe at Winchcombe, and I assume that these trains passed through there after the Honeybourne connection opened.
Best regards,
Clive
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