The first railway contract called for 10 engines. Several of these were built by the Hounslet Engine Company in Leeds. In spite of their tidy appearance and neatly-trimmed cab, these engines were not a great success. More suited to yard work they were unable to handle heavy loads and were useless in fighting the snow that clogged the main line in winter. The Railway was forced to rely on U.S. built engines in order to provide any measure of reliable service.