They were introduced in 1926 to increase train sizes, eliminate the practice of double heading NA locomotives and reduce losses on these lines.

[3][4] After closure both locomotives were removed to the Newport Workshops, and G41 was quickly scrapped in October 1964, the number plates, whistle and headlights were recovered and are housed at the Menzies Creek Museum.

[5] G42 was bought from the Victorian Railways in July 1964 by the Puffing Billy Preservation Society, it was transferred by rail to Belgrave in January 1968 and finally arrived at the Menzies Creek Steam Museum on 10 February 1968.

G42 was withdrawn from service in February 2009 pending a "D" exam as part of the Puffing Billy Railway's regular maintenance program.

As of April 2023, G42 is on display in the Menzies Creek Museum "for a period of at least five years" Media related to Victorian Railways G class steam locomotives at Wikimedia Commons