These 6-wheeled goods train brake vans were built in the early 1900s in response to the need for greater braking force for the longer, heavier goods trains being hauled by the newest 2-6-0 and 2-8-0 goods engines. In addition to increasing weight from 16 to 24 tons a third axle was added to increase the brake force available. The new vans were initially allocated to the heaviest trains to help the the crew control the 80+ wagons a Churchward 28xx class engines (introduced from 1903) could haul.
The railway companies later settled on 20 tons as the optimum weight for goods train brake vans and the GWR commenced their long line of very similar long-wheelbase 4-wheeled vans.
The 6 wheeled vans continued to serve, many being fitted with robust metal sheathing for the lower body sides and surviving into the British Railways era. Their allocation became more widespread, often being used to provide depots with an extra-heavy brake van for use when it was needed and some were allocated to country branch lines with steep gradients to help the guard control the train in event of a broken coupling.
Bordesley Junction was a major goods interchange point in Birmingham, originally a junction on the Grand Union Canal with the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal the Midland Railways' Camp Hill line connects with the GWR Birmingham to London line at this point. Goods trains were received and despatched daily at Bordesley, serving destinations all over the West Midlands, south to London and north to Chester and Birkenhead.