‘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"

Welcome to
The SMJ Society

Or sign in with:

SMJ Forum

magnet fishing

Hi everyone, yesterday I did some magnet fishing with the grandchildren from the SMJ bridge over the river Tove in Towester, to great excitement of the children (and myself) we pulled out three chair screws and a rivet which looked similar in style…Continue

Started by Steve Camm Sep 1.

One of the best preserved SMJ bridges? 1 Reply

I was at Ettington the other day and apart from the good shed, which has had a lot of money spent on it including full glazing, the station building is still there. But my attention went to the station bridge (No. 73?) which is in very good…Continue

Started by John Evans. Last reply by Andy Thompson Aug 30.

Passenger Trains connected to the SMJ

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

Started by Dave Hayward Jun 16.

Wartime passenger trains from Burton Dassett 3 Replies

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.

SMJ photos

Your museum needs you!

Dear SMJ member

Your museum needs you! I have just come off the phone after a great chat with Rob Hamblin. Towcester museum are putting together an exhibition about the railway and in the year of the 150th anniversary of the railway arriving at Towcester it would be good for us to show our support.

Rob said Nigel has been helping out and that he is going to a meeting with them tonight but they need more. If anyone has SMJ related material they are willing to loan the museum can they please email Rob on brackleygroup@aol.com or ring him on 01327 831533

Can I thank you Nigel for the work you've done already with the museum, I only wish I could be more involved

If anyone can think of any outlets they could contact to promote the SMJ150 anniversary then please go ahead and contact them on the society's behalf.

I am always available, if not a little busy. I can be contacted on 01404 851139 but wont always be here, you can contact me via the site or best by email on andy@smj.me

Thanks as always for your support!

Andy

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by NIGEL on February 16, 2016 at 13:28

Thanks for that Andy. The museum are putting on this exhibition for our, The SMJ Society's, behalf.

We need to know as soon as possible if anyone is able to lend items for the display, as time is moving on.

The 1st of May looms and the museum are willing to stay open on that Sunday for the celebration.

Nigel.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tim Poultney on February 18, 2016 at 17:00

HI Andy,

I spoke with David Postle at Kidderminster Railway Museum today, he may be able to help with some photographs and paperwork, several Beware Of Train signs, they also have a diamond Bridge Plate( that is not theirs so will have to check with owner.

He thinks he may already have been approached by somebody else, but I will try and remind anyway in a week or so

Tim Poultney

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gary on February 18, 2016 at 18:04

I hope the exhibition is on for a while as I will be "working" Abingdon airshow that weekend.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by NIGEL on February 25, 2016 at 16:11

Update on the exhibition at Towcester museum.

The exhibition will run from May to July.

The museum is not open on a Sunday, so will not be open on May 1st (misquote from Rob Hamblin)

SMJ colleagues to take an active role in designing and staging the exhibition.

John Evans has kindly offered to loan 3 items for the display.

I have offered to loan a number of items of hardware and paperwork for the display.

Nigel.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by NIGEL on May 25, 2016 at 12:24

Update on the railway exhibition at Towcester museum. This is now due to open on the first week of July.