They were originally developed from 0-4-4T types designed for commuter work with an extra set of driving wheels.

Acceleration and stability, however, were poor and, after a derailment, they were relegated to freight work.

The locomotives passed to the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) in 1923.

They kept their Midland Railway numbers and the LMS gave them the power classification 3P.

They were liable to oscillate on poor track, which led to a number of derailments.