They were designed for shunting the NLR's docks and were very compact but powerful engines.

This made them suitable later for transfer onto the Cromford and High Peak Railway in Derbyshire, and some were sent north.

In 1909 the nine locomotives numbered above 100 were transferred to the London and North Western Railway and renumbered in the 2600s.

All passed to the London, Midland and Scottish Railway on grouping, and were renumbered 7503–7532.

In 1948 the 14 surviving engines passed to British Railways on nationalisation and were renumbered 58850–58863.