It was distinguished from the later B subclass in that it featured a 2-4-2 wheel arrangement,[1] absence of a bell on the front and a different type of smokestack.

University of the Philippines historian Leonardo Q. Liongson discovered postage stamps that indicate that these locomotives were originally painted black, with the side tanks colored either metallic silver or white, and with an azure lining.

[2] During the Philippine–American War, these locomotives were utilized to pull trains that transported United States Army troops towards Central and Northern Luzon, in pursuit of the leaders of the Philippine Revolution, including Emilio Aguinaldo.

[8] One such train was destroyed near Angeles City, with the locomotive being partially damaged; its status after the war is unknown.

[12] The Dagupan class became outdated for flagship services by the 1910s and the 1920s, due to the arrival of larger tender locomotives from British and later American manufacturers.

[13] Horace L. Higgins, the Manila Railroad engineer and general manager, stated that the Manila Railway concession desired more substantial locomotives weighing between 40 and 45 short tons (36 and 41 t; 80,000 and 90,000 lb) and held the Spanish government accountable for cost overruns.

[2] The Manila Railroad repainted some locomotives black to signify their service, as they were still in use on switching and short-line duties.

[14] They were decommissioned alongside other steam locomotives beginning on August 15, 1956, as the Manila Railroad transitioned to dieselization.

The locomotive was hauling a works train when it collided with United States Navy Mail Truck No.

The protective barriers on the level crossing had been removed months earlier after its decommissioning, which led to the accident.