‘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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SMJ Forum
Concrete sleepers 2 Replies
I've been looking at the trackwork at Byfield station and it looks like concrete sleepers (late 50's). Would this be correct? If so, would the points still be wooden sleepers?Thanks in advanceCliveContinue
Started by Clive. Last reply by Clive Aug 1.
EWJR Portland Cement Wagon 11 Replies
Hello All,I found this item on ebay, although it's a model, what I'd like to know is, was it actually based on the real thing? As you can see it has the initials EWJR and return empty to Ettington, which all fits in with the real world.It was listed…Continue
Started by Jim Goodman. Last reply by Mark Reader Jun 11.
The Roade Connection 2 Replies
There seem to be several big questions about the SMJ.Tiffield station: did it exist, for how long and where exactly was it?Why build stations at Salcey Forest and Stoke Bruerne, and why such substantial buildings?But the biggest one seems to be the…Continue
Started by peter fleming. Last reply by Richard Denny May 19.
Stored coaches 3 Replies
This query arises from a discussion on another site (Disused Railway and Stations around Northamptonshire).There has been recent reference to coaches stored on the SMJ and a statement in Bylines March 12th issue that there were over three hundred…Continue
Started by Alan Brant. Last reply by Alan Brant Apr 30.
SMJ photos
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Peter S Lewis
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Comment Wall (97 comments)
- At 23:37 on November 22, 2018,
Jim Brown said…
Hi Peter, I believe my grandfather (TF Brown) worked on the SmJ. He is on the WW1 poster now displayed on Stratford station. I was wondering if there any staff records available. I also live near Edge Hill and am interested in the branch line that took iron ore down the Hill to the Burton Dasset junction in the 1920s.
regards
Jim Brown
- At 21:02 on September 28, 2018,
Peter, my interest started with the Newport Pagnell Branch line and extended to the Varsity Line, but of late I find it fascinating there was a Railway cutting across the local landscape which was blessed with a Station at Salcey Forest. So my interest really is local Railways but I find this one particularly interesting. I will be adding pics in due course!!
- At 1:19 on August 21, 2018,
Julian Porter said…
- Peter,Yes my name is appropriate. I worked for the railways for 32 years. I used to say I was the only Porter to actually do some work!!Yes there is a connection, one of my Great Great Uncles, William White, was a "Labourer Railway" on the 1871 census, and was, along with 4 others doing the same job, lodgers with a family in Wappenham and were presumably building the line, which I believe, at the time, was called the Northampton and Banbury Junction Railway. I attach the census record that shows him and Samuel Cox, William Cox and George Reeves.I have recently purchased a couple of books on the line, but I'd be interested to know who they may have been working for and how long these jobs would have lasted.Cheers,Julian
- At 13:14 on August 19, 2018,
None apart from an almost lifelong interest in railways and that I was born and live less than 5 miles from the line. Its a line that I have become more interested in in recent years.
- At 9:57 on July 26, 2018,
- Peter, I have received a suspicious mail from a David Hurley who may be using the site to promote his interests outside of SMJ use.
- At 15:18 on April 20, 2018,
Hi Peter, the site is accessible for you to visit whenever you choose at the moment - please feel welcome to visit and take photographs. If you would like to be met at the site by a member of our team to talk through our plans and timescales, we'd be more than happy to arrange this. Please email me directly at kirsty.darcy@duchyhomes.co.uk if you would like to accept this invitation. Thanks. Kirsty
- At 9:30 on April 19, 2018,
Hi Peter, I'm very well thanks although still not managed to make contact with any Binton railway workers - still trying! Hope you're well too. If you can let me know the purpose of your visit and when you'd like to go, I can contact our site team and ask the question. The original station house is being retained. Kind regards, Kirsty
- At 15:06 on March 26, 2018,
Hello Peter, thank you for adding me to this site. Yes, that's correct - I work for Duchy Homes and we have an upcoming development at the old Binton railway station. We're hoping to find anyone who used to work there, or their relatives, to involve them in the redevelopment process and share their story with us. Fingers crossed someone here can help! Thanks. Kirsty
- At 17:27 on March 8, 2018,
- I work in community rail, l seek out new users for redundant station buildings.
- At 15:38 on March 8, 2018,
Hello Peter,
Sadly no connections but I did become aware of it through many years of travelling up and down the Fosse Way. I work in the rail industry so have a professional interest as well.
Regards
Martin
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