Matthew

Built by marsh of the LBSCR as the 51st terrier, Matthew was unnamed at the start of his life. He worked in Brighton as a shunter until 1912 when he was bought by a private company called Tunbridge Coal Ltd. It was a small mining area that closed in 1927. Matthew worked there until 1914, when he was brought back by the LBSCR to work at Southampton during the war. He was also the engine to see 27 and 753 when they came back from France. He worked there until 1921 when he was moved to the KESR. His number had changed as well as he could finally be repainted. His number was changed from 685 to B685. He worked there until he was taken to the Hayling island in 1927 and was renumbered 2685. He worked there until 1948. Soon he was repainted into BR black and renumbered 32685. By this state he met 32655 and when having an overhaul met 32635. He never suspected his brother to become a fellow college on a railway that was yet to be. He also ran into the likes of 6422 during an event and then was taken to Hayling island were he worked with his other siblings until 1964. He was withdrawn and sent to Eastleigh in 1964 and remained in a siding until 1968. He was brought out of that siding, repainted and restored and sent on his way towards the LVR. He was greeted by his brother who was shocked to see him. He has now become very icon on the LVR, always wearing the Midlander headboard on any of his trains.