During 1884, engines based at Gateshead depot averaged 4,400 miles (7,100 kilometres) per month.

Instead the curtailing of new construction led to a shortage of motive power and new work was found for the 901 Class.

Some were drafted on to the coastal line between Scarborough and Bridlington but the majority were stationed at Darlington.

From here they worked passenger services over the Stainmore route to Kirkby Stephen, Penrith and Tebay.

It was moved to the Stainmore Railway Company at Kirkby Stephen East station in 2011 for the Stainmore 150 celebrations, and remains there on loan, housed in the Darlington train shed of the main station building.