The class 02 was a small diesel shunter built for docks and yards with restricted space and sharp curves. 20 were built by the Yorkshire Engine Co. in 1960 and 1961 and numbered D2850 to D2869. Minimum curve radius was one chain or 20 metres. They were powered by a 170 hp Rolls-Royce six-cylinder, but the hydraulic transmission only delivered around 100 hp to the rails. Top speed was 19.5 mph.
Due to the closing of many facilities where the class 02 operated, their service live was very short. The first ones were withdrawn in 1969 and by 1971, only four were still operating for British Railways. Of these, only three were actually renumbered to TOPS class 02 and in 1975, the last one was gone. Nine had been subsequently sold to private operators and today, seven are preserved.