During World War II, Queensland Railways were pushed to the limit transporting troops and supplies, and because the Australian and British works could not fulfil requirements, a request was made to the United States government under lend-lease terms.

In April 1942, the American Standardisation Committee designed a 2-8-2 locomotive for use in all parts of the world. The first five units were shipped to Brisbane in May 1943 from the Baldwin Locomotive Company.

Entering service on 26 June 1943, the locomotive was known as the American C16 (AC16).

The 5 inch gauge locomotive dimensions are as follows:

Length of Locomotive 1300mm
Length of Tender 990mm
Width 280mm
Height 430mm
Driving Wheel Diameter 152mm