The J36 Class, as it was categorised by the LNER started out life as the Matthew Holmes designed C Class built for the North British Railway, North British in this case being a euphemism for Scotland. The locomotives were introduced in 1888 and would number 168 at their most populous, with 123 of them lasting into BR service. 

Much of this BR service would be in their designed stomping ground of Scotland, where they would be the last steam locomotives in operation with the last two being withdrawn on the 5th June 1967 serving after even BR standard designs were withdrawn. Under BR the locomotives would receive the 2F power classification.

The locomotives would see many modifications fitted over their life time as you may expect for a locomotive that is effectively owned by three different companies. At various points in service these locomotives could be seen with different chimneys, cab windows, larger boilers, snowploughs and cab rears as well as a litany of liveries and names. 25 examples of the class were sent to France during the First World War and served with the Railway Operating Division.

Built at Cowlairs in August 1891, NBR 659 was rebuilt with the NBR Standard Boiler in September 1915. Sent to the Western Front in October 1917, it was numbered as ROD 6659.

On the locomotive's return it was named as Gough in April 1914, being renumbered as 9659 in 1926 then 5235 in 1946 under the LNER. In January 1949, under British Railways, Gough was renumbered as 65235 at which point it was allocated to Bathgate.