The standard BR diesel shunter, dating from 1952, was based on an LMS design of 1945. A total of 894 were built between 1953 and 1962, for shunting and station pilot duties. For a specific function, they were the most standardised locomotives in Britain. The Class 09 shunters look the same but have up-rated engines. They were built between 1959 and 1962 and all were allocated to the Southern Region.

The shunters became the Class 08 and 09 in under TOPS and the 08s were found everywhere on the network - and still are. As the fleet was reduced, due to shrinking freight traffic, many found their way into industry and, not surprisingly, at least 60 have found their way onto heritage lines. Their wide distribution means that they have found themselves serving various operating companies and so they have appeared in a great number of different liveries. Bachmann have modelled some of them.