Locomotive J515 was built by the Vulcan Foundry at Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire, United Kingdom in 1954 as part of the Victorian Railways ‘Operation Phoenix’. 

The J Class was seen to be an evolution of the then current Victorian Railways K class steam locomotive and was provisioned to be gauge converted should the need arise. 60 of the Class was built, with 30 being coal burners and 30 being oil burners. 

The J class was the last branch line mixed use steam locomotive that would serve the Victorian Railways. The class began to be withdrawn with the introduction of the T & B Class diesels with the last being withdrawn by 1972.

In 1983, the Seymour Loco Steam Preservation Group (now SRHC) acquired the locomotive and undertook a five year restoration returning it to mainline use in 1988.

After extensive use throughout the network the locomotive needed an extensive overhaul. Works have been underway sporadically since 2015 with various upgrades completed including the replacement of the smokebox.

With its distinctive German-inspired red smoke defectors and high boiler arrangement, the locomotive type is known for being a quintessential and iconic piece of Victorian Railways history.