The actual construction work proceeded satisfactorily until in June 1890, when about two-thirds of the line was ballasted, a serious contractual dispute with Billups arose. The Company went to litigation against him and won, and were awarded costs. Billups left the scene, leaving behind his plant and a construction locomotive "Lambourn". The Company now decided to progress the works directly, but with almost no money this was a challenge, and no progress was made. Parliamentary authorisation for a further extension of time and further borrowing were obtained in 1892, and the Company approached the Great Western Railway (GWR) for help; the larger company was sympathetic but unwilling to lend the money.