1274

[BLN 1274]
X.17] E-BLN 1273 Guess the Location: (BLN 1273.X.7) BELOW: Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse (left)
which once had its own station. A diverted Bristol Temple Meads to Birmingham New Street train
probably in 1972 (certainly before Jun 1973). BR retained the Cheltenham Spa to Honeybourne and
Stratford-upon-Avon line until 1976 for diversionary use during possible electrification of the
Birmingham to Bristol line! The train is approaching the former Racecourse Jn, from where in 1960 BR
opened a south to east curve to Stratford Old Town on the Stratford-upon-Avon & Midland Junction
Railway (SMJR). It was mainly used by iron ore trains from the Banbury area to South Wales allowing
the line west of Stratford Old Town through Binton and Bidford-on-Avon to Broom Jn to be closed.
This curve lasted until 1965 when the SMJR closed; by the time the picture was taken below the signals
had been removed (right hand post which can just about be made out right of centre) (Ian Mortimer).

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