At the same time, the Great Western Railway (GWR) and its ally the B&ER were built using the broad gauge, while nearly all large competing companies used the standard gauge (often referred to as the narrow gauge in contrast). If a new independent local scheme was being promoted, securing its chosen gauge to be broad or narrow also secured its allegiance to one or the other of the larger companies, and in turn this might secure further territorial exclusivity for the winner.
Concurrently, the Great Western Railway (GWR) and its associate the B&ER were built with a broad gauge, whereas most major competitors employed the standard gauge (often referred to as the narrow gauge in opposition). If an independent local scheme was being proposed, securing its preferred gauge to be either broad or narrow also secured its loyalty to one of the larger companies, which in turn might secure additional territorial privileges for the winner.