Holmes' predecessor, Dugald Drummond, had designed 32 earlier locomotives (classified by the LNER as Class J32) that were built between 1876 and 1877.

Thus the locomotives were considered a single class by the NBR, although on passing to LNER ownership they received the separate designations of J36 and J32 respectively.

Between 1913 and 1923, the class was rebuilt with larger boilers set at 165 psi and the Reid side-window cab.

During the First World War, 25 of the class were sent to France for service with the Railway Operating Division.

On return to Scotland, they were given names of battles, generals and a cartoon soldier in recognition of their service.

They were the last steam locomotives in service in Scotland, outlasting the LNER and BR standard designs.