‘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"
An improbable, funny, but absolutely true story relating to the Kineton military railway.Long after my Army days I still retained an affection and passing interest in Kineton ammunition depot where I served during the 1960s. Coupled to a 'love' of…Continue
Started by Dave Hayward. Last reply by Dave Hayward Apr 28.
Electric train staff equipment had been brought into use between Blisworth and Towcester by 9 August 1910 (date of SMJR minute 451 (TNA file RAIL 674/3)) and presumably the new signal box at Blisworth appeared at the same time. In that this was so…Continue
SMJ board minute 1474 of 13 April 1921 (TNA file RAIL 674/4) approved that “the following expenditure be charged to Capital” for year 1920: “Blisworth: Signalling and alterations to Permanent Way, Improvements and additional signalling: £800”. In…Continue
Did this railway (as opposed to the East & West Junction Railway) go into receivership - if so, when. And when did it come out of receivership?Continue
Started by Richard Maund. Last reply by Richard Maund Feb 11.
The latest edition of "British Railway Journal" contains a substantial article on Towcester, which runs to 25 pages. BRJ is a magazine that only comes out at infrequent intervals and can be difficult to find as few newsagents stock it. You may have to visit a specialist site to obtain a copy. this issue also has more local interest as Derek Mutton writes about LNW Super D's. Cost £9.95.
I don't usually take this magazine but I received my copy today and it is another good Wild Swan publication. The article isn't a rehash of the books but a conglomeration of reminiscences which makes it invaluable to me and puts a rather more intimate spin on "our" line. Stories such as teenagers going home to Blakesley in Goods Brake Vans organised by a friendly signalman at Towcester and the details of the goods traffic and how the race day specials are all fascinating stuff.