First built in 1898 as a smaller wheel shunting variant of the successful J71 class, the J72 continued to be built, with minor changes over the 
next 53 years. In 1937 two of the class were fitted with vacuum braking to work as carriage shunters and more followed from 1947 onwards, 
eventually leading to 41 members of the class being so fitted. Several of the vacuum brake fitted locomotives were repainted in lined passenger 
liveries by both the LNER and British Railways for use as station pilots. Locomotives so painted were generally keep very clean by shed staff 
and crews. The 113 members of the class all continued their sterling work until the first locomotive was withdrawn in 1958. The final locomotive 
was withdrawn out of normal service in 1964 but two were transferred to Departmental Stock, one of these locomotives lasted in this roll until 
1967. One member of the class, number 69023 is preserved.