 By this point the odds/evens locomotive numbering scheme had been abandoned, so the last nine of the batch were delivered as 701-717 to start filling gaps.As part of the competitive tendering process, in early 1912 contracts were signed with each of Peacock and Co. of the UK, Baldwin Locomotive Works of the USA, Walkers Limited of Maryborough, Queensland and Austral Otis, to compare against the cost of building engines at Newport Workshops.Richie Bros of Sydney had also tendered but failed to win any of the orders.