Isambard Kingdom Brunel favoured broad gauge, which cost more to install than standard gauge. George Stephenson promoted the cheaper and easier option and is judged the stronger salesman. A personal preference for broad gauge survives the comparison of costs. Britain's network nevertheless developed around standard gauge, on which high speeds remained possible.
Notable Point · 3:35:22-3:37:14
Why cheaper standard gauge prevailed over Brunel's broad gauge
Installation cost and George Stephenson's advocacy explain the preference for standard gauge in this comparison with Brunel's broad gauge.