[2] Based in locations all around the country, from Auckland in the north to Dunedin in the south, the WD class were suitable for a variety of trains from freight to suburban passenger services.

Withdrawal of the class began with WD 356 in January 1933, with the final three, 327, 359, and 360, written off in March 1936.

[2] WD 357, preserved at Ferrymead Railway, is still fitted with its original boiler and is currently in storage pending overhaul to working order.

The front and centre sections were salvaged by Hugh McCracken and moved to Steam Incorporated's depot at Paekakariki.

The remains of the locomotive were moved to the Rimutaka Incline Railway Heritage Trust's workshops at Maymorn in 2006, pending restoration.