When it became clear that production of larger numbers of the class 56 would be too expensive, British Rail started development of a simpler successor. The new type became class 58 and the first ones were introduced into service in 1983. Like American diesel locomotives, they had a strong main frame that carried all weight. Not only the engine and it accessories were built in modules, even the cabs could be replaced after an accident. Their general appearance earned them the nickname “Bone”.

The engine was a development of the one used in the class 56, but with 12 cylinders instead of 16 and the same output. To load and unload coal trains, they got slow speed control that allowed to run at speeds as low as one mile per hour. After privatisation, all came to EWS, which used them until 2002. After this, some were sold or leased, partly to Spain, France and the Netherlands. The last ones in the UK were withdrawn in 2010 and also abroad, most are now scrapped.