It was initially allocated to Parkeston Quay (shed code 30F), near Harwich, for working the Great Eastern Main Line, and would remain there for 13 years.

In November 1960, 61264 was transferred from Parkeston Quay to Colwick Depot (38A), near Nottingham, for working the Great Central Main Line.

It was withdrawn from service (mid-2008) for a 10-year overhaul at LNWR Crewe and, once finished moved to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

61264 returned to the mainline in 2014 with a test run in early January followed by double-heading the Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express from Manchester Victoria to Carlisle with LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 45407 organised by the Railway Touring Company.

From December 2012 until July 2022 the locomotive was based at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and used on both mainline railtours alongside the NYMR's services between Grosmont and Whitby.