Broad Gauge Railways

Isambard Kingdom Brunel considered the Great Western Railway the ''finest work in England'' and he contributed many groundbreaking features, none so unorthodox as the decision not to adopt the ''standard'' track gauge of 4ft 8½in and instead introduce the new ''broad gauge'' of 7ft ¼in. Describing the rationale behind the choice of broad gauge, and also the unique track and locomotives used, this ...