Between July 1897 and January 1898, employees of many British engineering companies were striking in an attempt to win the right to an eight-hour working day,[1] leaving locomotive builders with large backlogs of unfulfilled orders.

A typical American engine with bar frames, multiple domes and impressive headlamps, the loco was erected in Philadelphia, then disassembled and shipped to Barnstaple.

After the Lynton and Barnstaple became part of the Southern Railway in 1923, Lyn was taken to Eastleigh Works for a major overhaul in 1928, returning the following year in Southern Green Livery and carrying the number E762 on the side tanks, as well as the original nameplates on the cab sides.

CAD and modern engineering techniques were employed to ensure that, while the finished locomotive remains true to the original in appearance, it will perform much more efficiently and be easier to maintain and operate.

The locomotive had its public debut at the L&B's September 2017 gala and is now resident at Woody Bay railway station.