[3] The pattern engine was constructed by Beyer, Peacock & Company in 1874.

An order for 20 more locomotives of this design was placed 2 years later with the Phoenix Foundry in Ballarat, with 10 built in 1876–77 and a further 10 in 1879–80.

By 1894, 3 were allotted to Geelong, 5 to Ararat, 3 to Ballarat, 2 to Seymour, 2 to Benalla, 2 to Princes Bridge, and 4 to Sale.

[3] In 1910-11, the Victorian Railways decided to convert seven of them into "motor" locomotives for use in outer suburban areas.

One of the 2-4-2T class survives, number 176, having been sold to the Sunshine Harvester Works in 1920 for £1500,[3] where was used as a shunter until 1961.