Kathleen was built by the Avonside Engine Company of Bristol as their builder's number 1862 of 1921.^(a)  She worked at the John Lysaghts steel rolling plant at Port Kembla. ^(b)

Following retirement, Kathleen (and fellow Lysaghts shunter Alison) were donated to the NSWRTM in 1972 and placed on display at the Enfield museum site. ^(c)  Together with other exhibits, she moved to the NSWRTM's new Thirlmere site in 1975. At this stage Kathleen wore an attractive lined apple green livery, however she deteriorated rapidly due to exposure to the elements and was rather rust-streaked by 1983. ^(d)

In 1984 Kathleen was placed on long-term loan to the Richmond Vale Preservation Co-operative Society Ltd ^(d) and she arrived at their Richmond Main Colliery site on 19 November 1984.^(e)   Here she joined Clyde Engineering built sister locomotive Marjorie, which was nearing completion of restoration. Kathleen was subsequently stripped for overhaul and her frames and other components have occupied one of the two roads in the historic Richmond Man engine shed and her restoration slowly proceeded.  By April 2010 it seems the end may be in sight, with the boiler having been re-tubed and reassembly in progress. ^(d)

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