The company sought to have its ageing Class 47s rebuilt, some of which had become increasingly unreliable and uncompetitive in comparison to new-build counterparts.

As a result of this scheme, improved reliability and performance was recorded; Freightliner placed multiple follow-on orders for more to be rebuilt, as would other operators.

During April 2002, Virgin Trains West Coast signed a deal with the rolling stock lessor Porterbrook for the rebuilding of 12 Class 47s into Class 57/3s to conduct rescue duties as well as to drag electric trains along routes that lacked overhead wires to power them directly; further examples would be later ordered to expand Virgin's fleet.

The locomotives are fitted with a refurbished Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) engine and a re-conditioned alternator, improving reliability and performance.

[6][7] The origins of the Class 57 can be traced back to an order placed in November 1997 by the recently privatised freight operator Freightliner for an initial batch of six locomotives.

During July 2014, DRS took over the leases of the remaining six Class 57/3s from the national railway infrastructure owner Network Rail.

[14][15] In June 2023, six were returned to Porterbrook with five moving to GB Railfreight and one to Great Western Railway, leaving DRS with 57304, 57307, 57308 and 57309.

During 2000, the rail leasing company Porterbrook placed an order for a prototype passenger locomotive fitted with electric train heating.

[23] The First Great Western fleet were originally painted green with a gold bodyside band to match the Night Riviera stock, with cast name and numberplates.

All four locomotives were named after castles in Devon and Cornwall,[24] and operate mainly on the Night Riviera sleeper service, with the occasional stock move.

During June 2010, 57604 received a repaint into lined Brunswick green livery, to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Great Western Railway.

[31] During April 2003, 57601 was sold to West Coast Railways (WCRC), but it remained in traffic with First Great Western for a few months.

WCRC's managing director stated that the first action taken upon taking control of the locomotive was to pass it through his paint shop to apply the house colours in the original diesel style.

During December 2008, Arriva Trains Wales commenced operation of the daily Premier Service between Holyhead and Cardiff with Mark 2 carriages.

[43][44] After an evaluation period, Freightliner was sufficiently impressed to order a further six during June 1999, and stated its long-term plans to eventually acquire a fleet of 25 Class 57s.

To achieve the necessary compatibilities to work with various EMUs, the locomotives were outfitted with multiple types of adapter cables, pressure switches, and pickups to convey electricity and other services, such as pressurised air, to the rescued train.

In keeping with that theme, the engines also bore special plates with the International Rescue logo above their regular nameplates including: All were named:[49] After the completion of the West Coast Main Line upgrade in 2008, Virgin's need for Class 57/3s decreased.

[69][70][71] In December 2012, the remaining seven Class 57/3s were returned, three of which were leased to Direct Rail Services, and the other four were sold to West Coast Railways.