D137 was built in Christchurch at Scott Brothers in 1887 makers’ number 31, entering service with the New Zealand Government Railways that year. 137 was based in Wellington all its working life. In 1901, 137 was sold to the Gear Meat company in Petone becoming their number 2. It worked at the company's large freezing works with extensive rail sidings near the Petone foreshore.

D137 acquired hinged covers that were fitted over the slide bars and piston rods to protect them from sand that was whipped up when the line originally ran along the foreshore at petone to the Hutt Park Racecourse. This line was later lifted and the D confined to the works for the rest of its days in service.

By the mid 1960s the loco was getting to the stage where it would need an extensive overhaul or be withdrawn. The Later option was chosen and the loco was moved to Hutt Park where it was displayed for the amusement of children for the next 24 years until being gifted to the Silver Stream Railway by the Hutt City Council. The loco was moved to the Silver Stream Site in 1989 and placed in storage. It is still in fairly complete condition but requires lots of work before it can run again