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Bruce[_2_]

(Mark Brader) wrote:

"Bruce":
The Metropolitan Railway was originally built (from a junction with
the GWR at Paddington to Farringdon Street) to mixed standard and
broad gauge (7' 0¼") and was initially operated by the GWR using GWR
rolling stock. This is one reason why the Met has been able to
operate larger trains than standard.

Peter Masson:
Operation by the GWR with broad gauge stock lasted for 8 months.

Even less: 10 January to 10 August 1863, inclusive.

The GWR and Met then fell out, and the GWR gave 9 days notice that
they'd stop working the line, expecting that the Met would give in
and allow the GWR to take them over.

The dispute was basically over pathing rights. As Bruce said, the Met
was built with a track connection to the GWR, and this was intended
not only for moving stock on and off the line, but also for through
suburban trains from the GWR to Farringdon (and Moorgate when the line
was extended).

But the GNR also had a track connection at King's Cross, and was also
interested in running trains to Farringdon. And the Met realized that
with their own trains on the line as well, it would be over capacity.

Instead of compromising on the number of through trains, the GWR
decided to force the issue.

Instead the Met borrowed standard gauge stock from the Great Northern
and worked the line themselves.

Right. The L&NWR also supplied some passenger cars. But whereas
the GWR had used purpose-built condensing steam engines, the GNR had
to settle for running a flexible pipe to the tender to condense the
steam there.

After this, the Met then ordered their own condensing engines and
their own rolling stock, which replaced the GNR's within a couple
of years.

Mixed gauge lasted for some time (Did the GWR use it for broad gauge
goods?),

I don't know, but they did run broad-gauge passenger trains. After the
GWR lost the battle for control, they did come to an agreement, and
quickly. Both GWR and GNR trains began running to through Farringdon
on 1 October 1863, and later to Moorgate. The last GWR broad-gauge
service was on 14 March 1869.

and when the Widened Lines were opened they too were provided with
mixed gauge track, though it is uncertain whether broad gauge trains
ever used the Widened Lines.

You sure about that?

The Widened Lines are, of course, what is now the part of Thameslink
that runs alongside the Met/Circle/H&C, plus the now closed branch
to Moorgate. They were created to allow capacity for trains running
through between the GNR or Midland and the LC&DR (like Thameslink)
and from these railways to Moorgate. But none of the books I checked
mention whether mixed-gauge track was installed; as you imply, it
would not have been needed.

Thanks Mark, interesting background.