Originally built to a gauge of 2 ft 5+1⁄2 in (750 mm), it was for a Brazilian sugar plantation, however the order was cancelled before it was exported.

The locomotive was then regauged and renamed for the 2 ft 3 in (686 mm)-gauge Plynlimon and Hafan Tramway, in Wales, where it worked from August 1897 until 1899.

The locomotive was named Treze de Maio (Portuguese for "Thirteenth of May"), the date in 1888 that Brazil abolished slavery.

As Treze de Maio was available, it was regauged and renamed Talybont, and delivered to the Plynlimon and Hafan Tramway in August 1897, still with its spark arresting chimney.

Construction started in 1900, and Talybont was sold to Pethick Bros of Plymouth, the contractors working on the railway.