‘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"
Following on from the previous discussion about WD passenger trains on the SMJ during the 1940s; it must be said that passenger trains ran on metals connected to the SMJ until the mid 1960s. There was a passenger service from the nearest point to…Continue
Arthur Jordan in his book, The Stratford Upon Avon and Midland Junction Railway - The Shakespeare Route at pp 82 mentions a WW2 late night special from Stratford on Avon to Burton Dassett for soldiers at the CAD. I would envisage that this did not…Continue
Started by Dave Hayward. Last reply by Dave Hayward Jun 16.
AndyAbout two years ago I ended up with some railway matter from a Bill Kendall who had been a Signalman on SMJ ending his railway career at Northampton No 1. I worked with him when I was working in Rugby PSB, I also covered the signa?l boxes at…Continue
Started by Robin Leslie Patrick. Last reply by Dave Hayward Jun 8.
I have recently acquired a number of photos of the SMJ taken during the period late 1950's to early 1960's.
Fortunately most have full details provided, but I am left with four which I cannot identify.
I can rule out the Towcester to Cockley Brake section as the photographer unfortunately only got there after the track had been lifted. Also most - but not all - of the pics on the Towcester to Ravenstone section were taken when it was disused, with the track in poor and weedy condition, so that is less likely but not impossible.
I am hopeful that someone out there in our Society will recognise the locations - I will add the pics in the photo section with a few comments that may assist - thanks for your help!
I'm drawn to the idea of the Stratford - Broome section. A number of published 1950s pictures show fresh ballast. It's also a fairly flat stretch of line.