Built by Beyer, Peacock and Company in Manchester, the Class B was turned out as a 4-4-0 version of the Class C 2-4-0 that had been introduced during 1890-95.
Two of the class, Nos.59 and 62 were "renewed" in 1924 as Class U1 4-4-0 locomotives although probably very little remained of the original engines except for their wheels and valve gear.