184 locomotives were built in 14 batches between 1936 and 1944 at Doncaster and Darlington Works, construction continuing through the Second World War as they proved their usefulness.

The V2 was a versatile locomotive, capable of hauling fast fitted freights and express passenger trains.

Their relatively heavy 22 ton axle load meant their use was restricted to around 40% of the LNER's route miles.

[2] First of the initial batch for five Doncaster-built V2s was number 4771, which emerged in June 1936 and was promptly named "Green Arrow", after the express freight service for which the locomotives had been built.

Not only were they capable of working vacuum braked freights at up to 60 mph (97 km/h), they could deputise for Pacifics on express passenger schedules.

The V2s were recognised as versatile and powerful locomotives by 1939, but their reputation was more firmly established by their remarkable feats of haulage during World War II.

In 1946 a series of derailments was traced to the design of the leading pony truck, which was unduly sensitive to the often poor track conditions, a legacy of heavy wartime use and lack of maintenance.

Seventy-one engines were thus modified: they can be identified by the presence of external steam pipes from smokebox to cylinders.

However, plans to fit Kylchap chimneys to the remainder of the class were abandoned once it became clear that replacement with diesel locomotives was imminent.

Its boiler repairs have been determined as achievable, however the NRM are not currently willing to meet the cost involved in replacing the 'monobloc' cylinder casting.

Bachmann are currently producing a new 'OO gauge' model including an updated DCC ready chassis: 35-200 Class V2 Gresley 2-6-2 4791 LNER Lined Green (Original).

35-202 Class V2 Gresley 2-6-2 60847 "St Peters School" in BR lined green with late crest.

Older (pre 2012) Bachmann models had a split chassis design which required a lot of modification to convert to DCC.