Originally intended for allocation to the Eastern Region the last two of the 1953 Britannia class construction programme, numbered 70043 and 70044 were initially fitted with Westinghouse Air Brakes for evaluation as to the suitability of the class to work the heavy 1500 ton iron ore freights between Toton and Brent. The equipment was removed in 1957 after having spent time at Longsight depot as well as at Toton and Derby.