This loco was a rebuild of No.203 Stephenson single of 1864 - one of a number, that Stroudley undertook in 1871. Two sister engines of the class - nos. 198 & 204 reappeared as 2-4-0's 205 Kensington and 204 Westminster in 1872 (see Belgravia kit recently released).

In order to accommodate a larger firebox and longer boiler, the frames were extended by 1' 3". Originally Sussex appeared with Adams safety valves, but bad experiences led to these being replaced with Salter valves, as with C & Belgravia classes.

The 16"x 23" pistons were most unusual for Brighton works - being the only engine carrying them. However, it was a good performer, and held its own on Brighton to London expresses well into the days of the Richmond & Gladstone 0-4-2's.

For the latter years of its life, Sussex was, for some reason, fitted in 1893 with a version of Joy valve gear - having an oil-pressure cylinder to operate it - that did not always operate flawlessly at slow speed - tending to throw the loco into reverse whilst moving slowly forward, and vice versa. Happily, it never happened at high speed.

After running 705,575 miles by 1895, it was withdrawn, though stored at Brighton shed for a couple more years.

Download instructions and details about Sussex HERE

This download will be kept updated as necessary

Stroudley Single “Sussex”

This kit is now supplied to order

This kit during test etch building

This kit during test etch building