For Tinsley Marshalling Yard, BR needed a heavy shunter without a long frame that could run over the hump without problems. The solution was to permanently couple two three-axle class 08 shunters together, what created the class 13. One of the two lost its cab to create a master and slave formation. Additionally, both were ballasted to increase adhesive weight. In 1965, three pairs were rebuilt at Darlington from six class 08 shunters. One pair was withdrawn in 1981 and the two others followed in 1985 when Tinsley Yard was closed. 