Peel Godred Branch Line (RWS)

The Peel Godred Branch Line is a branch line with an aluminium works and hydro-electric power station run by electric locomotives. The Culdee Fell Railway is located along this branch.

History
In the Act of 1853, the Sodor and Mainland Railway gained the power to build a line from Cronk, but this never happened and fell through as the railway was becoming increasingly bankrupt. The Mid Sodor Railway was the result of this failed attempt. However, in 1923, the Peel Godred Power Company was granted permission to build a dam and hydroelectric power station one mile north from the town. To supply it, a branch line built by the newly formed North Western Railway was constructed from Killdane, with the power company paying half of the construction costs. The branch line was electrified, with the current being supplied by the power station.

In 1926, the Sodor Aluminium Company was formed to own and operate the Power Company, and also the Aluminium Works that was being built at Peel Godred. Beyond the town station and goods yard, the line continues for a mile or so before fanning out into the sidings at the Aluminium Works. Alumina is brought from Tidmouth to here, where it is processed into ingots before being sent to the Mainland via Barrow-in-Furness.

The line's opening created a decrease in traffic on the Mid Sodor Railway, resulting in its closure in 1947. That same year, the company bought Falcon and Stuart from the closed railway to assist in an expansion project at the Aluminium Works. This was completed in 1951, and the two engines, after standing sheeted under tarpaulins for the better part of a year, were sold in 1952 to Sir Handel Lloyd Brown for the Skarloey Railway at the knockdown price of £25 each.

Traffic is mainly freight. There are eight trains a day to Killdane, four of which continue (by steam) to Cronk.

Appearances
Railway Series=

The Railway Series

 * Mountain Engines - Danger Points
 * Henry and the Express - Overhaul
 * Thomas and his Friends - Gordon's Fire Service

Thomas and Annie and Clarabel also visit the branch in the annual story, Thomas and the Sunday School Outing.

Trivia

 * The line is unique for being the only line on Sodor to use electric traction.
 * In Mountain Engines, there is no visual indication that the line is electrified. Overhead catenary lines can, however, be seen in Henry and the Express.