Arlesburgh-Harwick Branch

The Arlesburgh-Harwick Branch Line, commonly known as The "Little Western", and also known as Duck's Branch Line, is a coastal branch line operating from Tidmouth to Arelsburgh and later to Harwick.

History
The branch was at first a one-line extension of the North Western Railway built after a Government order in 1916. It was originally intended to reach Harwick; however, by the time Arlesburgh was reached in 1916, it was found there was no longer need for further a extension and it was dropped.

In 1928, a rail link between Arlesburgh and Harwick was again proposed, however unlike the last time, it was accepted and construction began in 1928, the railway rented some engines to assist with the building. When it was finished in 1931, the rental engines were all sent back but the branch needed its own engine, so Sir Topham Hatt ordered a GNR N2 tank engine named Ryan

In 1959 the need for a new harbor to ease congestion at Tidmouth had once again become acute, leading Sir Topham Hatt to search for a suitable site for developing a new harbor. Arlesburgh proved ideal and during the surveying of the area he noticed that while the branch, that was still open under a skeleton service, the line was noticeably overgrown, while the former track bed of the MSR was still relatively weed free. Inquiring locally he was told that this was due to the fact that the bootstrapped company resorted to using spoil from the lead mines as ballast that was free to them. After exhaustive tests were conducted and proved the spoil to be weed resistant Sir Topham met with the management of both the Culdee Fell and Skarloey railways, suggesting they join the NWR in a consortium to exploit this still freely available material. Mr Richards, Manager of the Culdee Fell suggested that given the natural beauty in the Arle valley that this venture should be expanded into that of tourism. This suggestion was seconded by Sir Handel Brown and Charles Topham Hatt, leading to the construction of the Arlesdale Railway.

Both the branch line and narrow gauge railway were relaid and new exchange facilities were built at Arlesburgh West. With two Listers diesels assisting with the laying of the narrow gauge line on top of the MSR's former track bed progress proceeded rapidly. The new railway was close to completion when Duck came to Arlesburgh to investigate the rumors of the small railway engines and after working well with them. He was put in charge of the branch line, Dana assiting him. As a further reward Duck was given two auto coaches-Alice and Mirabel, that were repainted in GWR livery. The Arlesdale Railway passed its BoT inspection and opened with passenger services in Easter 1962. During this same year Oliver, after his rescue and restoration to GWR livery, came to work on the branch line along with his faithful coach Isabel and brake van Toad. Sir Topham Hatt also tracked down a fourth GWR auto-coach named Dulcie to allow the two engines to operate a push-pull service and the branch line soon gained the moniker "The Little Western".

Route
There is an hourly passenger service to Tidmouth (some trains continuing to Knapford) with ballast from the Arlesdale mines also being carried. It also carries much-needed tourists to the Arlesdale Railway.

The line begins at Tidmouth, where it uses the through platform inside the station (illustrated incorrectly in recent illustrations as outside). Crossing River Tid, the line enters a tunnel. After exiting the tunnel, the line comes to Bulgy's Bridge. It follows along the coast, passing over another bridge over the road, reaching Haultraugh.

After leaving Haultraugh, the line keeps going along the coast, passing Bulgy's Field. Then the line separates from the coast and ends at Arlesburgh