Although obviously of Orenstein & Koppel origin, the early history of Baby Sivok is not clear. A best guess is that it is maker's number 5130 of 1911, a locomotive built for Gillanders Arbuthnot of Calcutta, who were of course the Managing Agents for the line. It may not have arrived on the DHR until about 1913, to assist the recently overhauled and last surviving 'A' class, No. 9, in the construction of the Teesta Valley Line. As you probably know, Sivok was one of the stations on the Teesta Valley branch. The locomotive was subsequently transferred to the Raipur Forest Tramway project, built of second hand DHR materials by Gillanders Arbuthnot. The line ended up in the wilds at a place called Bagleygange, named after Bagley, the man Gillanders had sent to build the tramway for the Government of Central Provinces.

Baby Sivok then appears to have returned to the DHR. After being out of service, and by some accounts in pieces, for a number of years, it was rebuilt at Tindharia, with additions to make it resemble the familiar 'B' class. Painted in North Eastern Railway maroon livery, it ran at the Indian Railways Centenary Exhibition in new Delhi in 1953, giving fairground rides on a circular track. It was at this time that it gained its plate bearing the date 1881, a source of confusion ever since. In 1957, it was placed on its plinth at Siliguri where it remained until the middle of 1999.

Although not powerful enough to make a significant contribution to the working of the railway, in its third reincarnation Baby Sivok will make a delightful addition to the dwindling stud of steam locomotives on the line. The initiative to restore this engine is to be welcomed, and the sight of the little locomotive in action will have made some interesting photographic opportunities, as well as adding to the enjoyment of all who visit the railway.