‘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"
Broom History Group will be holding an event at Broom Village Hall 2-4pm on 9th November 2024 including a film on the railway and Broom Junction.…Continue
Hi everybodyI’m building a OO gauge model of Fenny Compton and Clifford Sidings over here in Belgium.Quite a strange idea but so be it…In view of this I plan to transform a RTR Beatie Well Tank into SMJR N° 5 the 2-4-0T and use some etchings for the…Continue
I am sure most have you have read my account of the Ro Railer which is on another part of this site. From time to time new tit-bits of info come along and a revision is needed. I would appreciate any comments regarding the following.
1. The story concerning the Ro Railer being used for a journey to Broom and having to return backwards is both amusing and possible. However the source has never been verified and there is no way I feel that this account should be allowed to remain "on record" without some other verification. I feel that I have exhausted all of my research leads on this unless anyone can add substance to the acount I will leave it as a footnote but clearly mark it as "dubious".
2. The disposal of the Ro Railer after its demise in traffic near Byfield has been difficult to acertain. As stated in the essay the vehicle remained taxed for road use at least until 1938 and the assumption was that it was sold for use as a bus/coach. I have now found out that the registration was continued by the LMS and that has led to further enquiries. I have found out that the vehicle was downgraded and used as some sort of PW inspection or maintenance vehicle and that it finished its life on such duties in Scotland. One printed record has come to light that says it served on the Fort William line. Before I revise my essay can anyone add or comment to the above please?