The stage was set, and the first act, from 1880 to 1882, consisted of land acquisition and fund raising, with enthusiastic townsfolk rushing forward with moneys for their share of the action.

On the 22nd of March 1882 Helston celebrated. Triumphal arches were erected, bunting hung, schools and businesses closed, and a procession marched up to the Tile House Field to watch the venerable R. S Martin cut the first sod.

Construction work began in earnest under the stewardship of the company  engineer, Sylvanus W. Jenkins. However Messrs. Maddison and Company, the contractors, were unable to meet the onerous financial terms imposed on them by the Helston Railway Co., and withdrew in 1883.

This caused great delay, but with new contractors Messrs Lang & Son of Liskeard, work progressed quickly and by 1887 the branch was finished.

The route, which ran for 8 miles 67 chains in standard gauge (4’ 8 ½”), had the intermediate stations at Praze and Nancegollan. After one Colonel Rich had assessed the line for the Board of Trade, and pronounced it satisfactory, it was time to open.