The 10 vehicles were built in two batches in 1884-85 and the available information is sparse, consisting of two works photographs and a drawing which varies in small detail from the finished van. The drawing details a sliding shutter (21) in the top door, which is not evident in one photograph of the first batch, though the dog box (23) under the groom’s seat is not on the drawing but exists on the photograph!
When delivered these horseboxes were without any kind of brake. Within a few years a single block handbrake was fitted at the Springburn works of the H&BR, they also had a through Westinghouse brake pipe. This brake block acted on the axle under the groom’s compartment As time went by the H&BR decided to become a vacuum brake line and the horseboxes became vacuum fitted from around 1892. The
method used to add the automatic brake was to have a four block clasp brake on one axle only, the one that didn’t already have the hand brake. This resulted in a five shoe arrangement which was rather unusual. It is believed that the Westinghouse through pipe was retained. From 1908 a through steam heat pipe was fitted.Livery is noted as ‘Brown to Pattern’ with same in varnish, picked out in black. Lettering to be gold, shaded crimson and black, 3” high. The number was carried on the bottom plank of the top door, centrally.
The legend HB & WR JR carried centrally 2, 3, 2 on the plank above either side of the strapping. The groom interior was scumbled oak on buff, with lead grey painted floor and white roof.

Although the NER allocated the numbers it is believed that none wer ever carried.
All were withdrawn between 1924 & 1929