They were inspired by,[1] and loosely based on, the more successful LB&SCR A1 class "Terriers" and eight were built in 1909 and 1910.

They were originally intended for lightweight passenger trains, to replace underpowered steam railmotors.

In 1915, Two locomotives (27 and 753, known by the ROD as numbers 5027 and 5753 ) were transferred to the Government and used by the Railway Operating Division, arriving in France in May 1915.

[2] In 2005, attempts to overhaul the engine, which had gained the unofficial name of Bluebell, were aborted and it was moved back to storage at Sheffield Park in a partially dismantled state.

In September 2009 the decision was made to restore 323 to working order and it was moved into the workshops with the hope of having it operational in time for the Bluebell's fiftieth anniversary celebrations in August 2010.

[3] However, it was discovered the firebox backhead had cracked, requiring repairs that prevented the locomotive from attending the celebrations.

However the overhaul did not take place as intended and the work was not commenced until 2011, by which time the loco had suffered greatly from corrosion.

These have now been cast using polystyrene patterns using technology pioneered for the LMS Patriot Project.

178 was purchased from Bowaters by the Bluebell Railway in 1969, by this time the locomotive was non-operational due to the cylinder block having cracked earlier that year.

This locomotive was transferred back to the Bluebell's ownership in November 2007 and work continued with the firebox requiring partial renewal of the foundation ring.

After completing 10 and a half years in traffic the locomotive was withdrawn from service in October 2020 pending its next overhaul In Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine, a book by the Rev.

Bluebell was also released as a die-cast model by ERTL, although, curiously, this used the same bodyshell as Thomas – a much larger tank locomotive.