The Little Western

The Little Western is a coastal branch line operating between Tidmouth and Arlesburgh. It is nicknamed "The Little Western” because the line is decorated in Great Western Railway Colors, and Duck and Oliver operate it together.

History
Originally, the branch was a single line extension of the mainline built in 1916 after a Government order. It was originally intended to reach Harwick, but by the time Arlesburgh was reached there was no longer a need for further extension. Material from the Arlesdale mines was needed for the war effort, but when the mines closed in 1947 there was not enough traffic. Permission was requested to close the line, but this being refused; a minimal service only was operated.

In 1964/5 There was need for a new harbour and the line was reinstated. It was given to Duck because he knew the Small Railway Engines, and that he had done excellent work in the yards. Oliver, Donald and Douglas also came to help.

Operations and Stations
There is an hourly passenger service to Tidmouth with ballast from the Arlesdale mines also being carried. It also supplies much needed tourists to the Arlesdale Railway.

The line begins at Tidmouth, where it uses the through platform. From there, the line travels up the coast to Haultraugh. It then terminates at Arlesburgh, where the line interacts with the Arlesdale Railway.



Engines and Rolling Stock
The line is staffed by Duck with Alice and Mirabel, Oliver with Isabel and Dulcie, Donald and Douglas with Toad, and the ballast trucks, including Scruffey.

Trivia

 * The branch, according to the forward of “’’’Oliver the Western Engine’’’”, is based off the Dart Valley Railway.


 * Dilly, Donald’s duck, lives at Haultraugh.


 * "The Little Western" has appeared in three Railway Series books: "Enterprising Engines", "Oliver the Western Engine", and very briefly in "Duke the Lost Engine". Despite this lack of stories in The Railway Series, in the "Extended Railway Series" Thread it gets a few more books to itself.