The train arrives; 1852
One of the problems faced in those innovative and progressive times was the Gauge War. West Cornwall Railway was formed in 1844, and applied for their Act the following year. It was rejected as was the custom. The scheme was improved by injecting more money (£500,000 instead of £180,000). The Act was sanctioned 3rd August 1846, a broad gauge line between Truro Quay and Penzance, with a branch line taken to Truro main station. However, delays led to another application having to be made and it was allowed in 1850. This time it was stated that the line had to be a 'narrow gauge', but the clause allowed that a third line be allowed, which would complete a continuous broad gauge between Penzance and Paddington. Goods were narrow guage and broad was passenger. Eventually, when changes were made to the main line, it was no surprise to see notices on trucks 'Not to Run East of Truro'. The 25 mile line from Truro to Penzance was completed and opened 25th August 1852, as this Illustrated London News illustration shows. The picture shows a broad gauge, as othe illustrations of the railway show. I will upload a picture of a locomotive and the viaduct, the gauge shows in two Besley prints c1860. Bearing in mind the stipulation of The Act and contemporary narrative, as well as the Illustrated London News drawing of the effects of a storm on the viaduct in 26th December 1852, I cannot subscribe to the view that broad gauge did not arrive in Penzance until late 1866. I have not seen any illustration that indicates a narrow gauge passenger train service in this area until later.
