This locomotive was built by Hunslet in 1953 to a design dating from 1923. The order was placed by the National Coal Board, who sent the new engine to Markham Main Colliery, Armthorpe, near Doncaster. Arthur was in use at Markham Main until 1976, acquiring parts from a similar locomotive, No. 2688, during an overhaul in 1972. When withdrawn from service it was the last steam locomotive working for the NCB in the Doncaster area.

Arthur laid out of use until 1978, when it was moved to Ashbourne, Derbyshire, joining a private collection of industrial engines. A year later it was moved to a similar collection near Witney, Oxfordshire, but remained here only a short while, arriving at Quainton in December 1979 after purchase by a QRS member. Since then Arthur has become the property of the Society and is now in store awaiting overhaul.