The Great Western Railway was started in 1824. It was made as a link between London and Bristol. From Bristol the PS Great Western sailed to New York, linking London to America.
Brunel only ever used broad gauges, because he found them more reliable (they gave a smoother and safer ride). The only problem was that most other engineers making trains used narrow gauges, so there had to be two sets of rails! One for narrow gauged, and one for broad gauged trains. The 2-2-2 North Star was the first passenger train locomotive. It could pull 1,243lb and started work in 1837, but only worked as a passenger train from 1838-1864. The North Star was the most reliable G.W.R. locomotive.
Paddington was the first station to be built, construction finished on it just after the completion of the first section of track (London to Maidenhead). The roof, which is made up of triangulated arched trusses, was built in 1838, and it still stands today. There was only ever one change made to that roof. Some tie rods were added in 1915. The whole station is 700ft long.
The Great Western Royal Hotel is connected directly with the station, and was officially opened in June 1854. The hotel and terminus were part of Brunel's idea of a complete transportation system between London and New York. The hotel had over one hundred bedrooms and sitting rooms, public rooms, lounges, and a restaurant. At the time the hotel was completed, it was Britain's largest hotel.
In order to raise the railway to an adequate level to pass over the floating harbour, Brunel constructed the station on a series of arches about 15ft high. The first station building was finished on the 31st of August, 1840, and was used for the Bristol and Exeter railway for some time. In 1845 a seperate station was built at right angles to the older one. The older building is now used as a car park.
Frome station on the Wilts, Somerset & Weymouth railway was opened in 1850. It was self supporting (had no pillars) for 123 years. Brunel's work was built to last!
Where would you like to go from here? Home, The Clifton Suspension Bridge, Steam ships.