LMS Route: Stratford Midland Junction - The Shakespeare Route

Stratford on Avon Station: smjsa364

On the right is the newly constructed connecting line to the ex-SMJ station and on the left Stratford on Avon Racecourse Platform. The up line has a trap fitted to stop any runaway wagons from obstructing the ex-GWR line to Honeybourne. Basically the trap was designed to derail the runaway before it entered an area where it could cause serious damage or injury. The ex-WD 2-8-0 locomotive is working a mineral train through to Broom Junction. The opening of the above connecting line would make the route to Broom redundant leading to its closure on 13th June 1960. The difference between "Halts" and "Platforms" on the GWR was their length. Halts (like the one at Pebworth) were short and intended for use by railmotors or short trains. Platforms were long to accommodate infrequent but potentially substantial traffic. The Racecourse Platform could accommodate 6 coach trains easily. Both Halts and Platforms had only basic facilities usually a shelter but even that was not provided at Stratford! However it was possible to buy a ticket there on race days. A small wooden box of tickets which were printed with the title "Stratford upon Avon Racecourse Platform" were kept in the booking office at the main Stratford GW station. On racedays a junior clerk drew the short straw and was sent with the ticket box, some petty cash, a stool and umbrella to sit on the platform for the duration that trains were booked to stop on race days. In the early sixties I spent many hours talking to this bored individual who sold very few tickets except as souvenirs to enthusiasts. Examples of Halts can be seen at 'Evesham Road Crossing Halte', 'Pebworth' or Aston Cantlow.

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