[2] Although the G class, designed with a similar purpose in mind suffered from poor adhesion, the L was more successful in terms of performance.

NZR began an intensive programme of rebuilding older tank locomotives to attempt to extract improved performance.

Parts from seven locomotives were used in this programme, being initially fitted with a leading bogie turning them into LA Class 4-4-0Ts then later with larger coal bunkers to 4-4-2Ts.

The remaining three unmodified locomotives were sold to the Public Works Department (PWD) in the early 1900s.

[3] While all of the rebuilt L class had been officially withdrawn by 1939, the three unmodified locomotives sold to the PWD went on to have much longer careers.