‘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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Blisworth - Towcester ETS working

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

Started by Richard Maund Apr 20.

Blisworth 1920

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

Started by Richard Maund Apr 20.

Evesham Redditch & Stratford-upon-Avon Junction Railway 8 Replies

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.

Bidford-on-Avon 5 Replies

Shall we bring this discussion under the proper heading!So far as the OS plan surveyed 1885, published 1886, is concerned: the OS liked - wherever they could - to have text running parallel to the top and bottom borders. When they came to add the…Continue

Started by Richard Maund. Last reply by Richard Maund Feb 10.

SMJ photos

Ro Railer (possible update)

Hi everyone

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?