London, Brighton & South Coast No. 96

The LB&SCR commissioned a small tank engine in 1869 to haul light passenger trains on the branch line between Brighton Central and Kemp Town. The locomotive was initially given the number 96 and the name “Kemp Town”. In 1874 it was transferred to Havant near Portsmouth and given the number 115 while she was named “Hayling Island”.

In its new location it soon underwent a makeover to plans by William Stroudley, incorporating a new chimney, larger steam dome and cab. During this time the running number changed twice, first to 359 and then to 499.

A major remodeling was also carried out under Stroudley in 1889. A passenger compartment was installed behind the cab for inspection trips along the lines of the LB&SCR. To carry the additional weight, a trailing axle was attached at the same time, which, like the leading axle, was fixed in the frame. In this form, the locomotive received the number 481 and the name “Inspector”. Its service in this role lasted for at least a decade.