The 1076 Class were 266 double framed 0-6-0T locomotives built by the Great Western Railway between 1870 and 1881; the last one, number 1287, was withdrawn in 1946.

The first locomotives had just a spectacle plate to give protection for the crew, but then small cabs, open at the back, were fitted.

Other changes to various locomotives over their long lives were Belpaire fireboxes, enlarged coal bunkers, and even superheaters.

Ten locomotives were built in 1876 with broad gauge wheels outside the standard double frames.

1256 was one of a pair of locomotives that worked the last broad gauge train from Penzance back to Swindon for conversion on 20 May 1892.