[1] The locomotive was of a modern design with a high superheat, a large combustion chamber and a thermic syphon in the firebox.

When introduced the V class was the largest rigid wheelbase locomotive on the WAGR system, exceeded only by the Australian Standard Garratt.

The V class locomotives entered service in 1955 and initially worked heavy coal trains from the Collie area.

Later they were used on equally heavy freight trains, particularly over the Great Southern line from York to Albany.

Three are owned by preservation societies, whilst the fourth, V1213, is owned by the private rail operator Pemberton Tramway Company who provided Driver Experience courses,[6] in addition to hauling some timber on its railway.