The Brendam Branch Line, commonly known as Edward's Branch Line, runs from Wellsworth along a peninsula to Brendam. BoCo and occasionally Donald and Douglas assist in running the line. Thomas also worked on the branch line while a bridge was being repaired on his own branch line.
In The Railway Series, the bigger engines are forbidden to travel along the line due to the weaker rail construction, however Gordon was once switched onto the branch line with the express by accident.
History and Operations
The Railway Series
The branch, originally part of the Wellsworth and Suddery Railway, opened in 1870. The eastern end became a branch line after the North Western Railway opened in 1915.
The branch serves Suddery, the Island's capital. There is extensive china clay traffic to and from Brendam. There are also peak passenger "through" trains to and from Tidmouth, at other times there is a local service from Wellsworth to Brendam, Edward and BoCo work the line, but these two are by no means the only motive power employed. A small scrapyard, known as Wellsworth Scrap Yard, is situated on the line. Edward consistently brings scrap metal to and from the yard. The passenger services through Tidmouth are provided between 8 and 10am and 5 to 7pm. This service is supplemented at other times by push-pull trains from Wellsworth. [1]
Thomas & Friends
In the television series, Reg works at Crock's Scrapyard. Scruff brings scrap metal to the scrapyard from Whiff's Waste Dump. Sodor Animal Park, and Dingley Hall are also located along the line. Also, between Suddery and Lower Suddery is a junction where a line goes past a coastal track going over a high bridge till it reaches the Sodor Search and Rescue Centre. Salty and Porter work on the line at Brendam Docks.
Stations
From Wellsworth, which includes a station yard and junction to the branch, trains travel to Suddery, and finally terminate at Brendam, where an extensive harbour and engine sheds are located. There is a private quarry line to the China Clay Works, serviced by Bill and Ben and Timothy.
In the television series, the branch line has two more stations, Lower Suddery and Upper Brendam. Dingley Hall is also located between these two stations.
Rolling Stock
Locomotives
The Railway Series only
Television Series only
Non-Rail Vehicles
Television Series only
References
| Locomotives | Steam | Edward | Donald and Douglas | Porter** | Nia** | |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | BoCo | Derek** | Salty** | |
| Rolling Stock | Coaches | Branch Line Coaches | Express Coaches |
| Trucks | Quarry Trucks | |
| Non-Rail Vehicles | Trevor | Big Mickey** | Cranky** | Carly** | Reg** | |
| People | The Vicar of Wellsworth | The Mayor of Sodor** | The Dock Managers** | |
| Affiliates | Sodor China Clay Company | Bill and Ben | Timothy** | Marion** | Sodor Shipping Company** | |
| Locations | Wellsworth (Vicarage Orchard, Yards, Engine Sheds) | Crocks Scrap Yard | Suddery (Island Records Office, Castle, Junction) | Brendam (Docks, Canal**) | The Fenland Track** | The Flour Mill** | Lower Suddery** | Suddery Coastal Village** | Sodor Animal Park** | Dingley Hall** | Upper Brendam** | |