This locomotive was constructed by the Victorian Railways Newport Workshops in 1905 and originally numbered DD 630, becoming one of the 261 members of the Victorian Railways DD-class.  It was renumbered to DD 765 in 1925 before being superheated and modified to D2 configuration in 1929, becoming D2 765.  It was later further rebuilt with the larger D3 boiler in 1936, becoming D3 646.  (For more information about the Victorian Railways DD-class locomotives, refer to the entry for D2 604.)

D3 646 had been plinthed in the courtyard of the Maryborough railway station since 1964.  It was acquired in approximately 1994 by the Victorian Goldfields Railway for eventual restoration to operation.  D3 646 has been stored at Maldon since acquired by the Victorian Goldfields Railway, with some components removed including the side & connecting rods, air receiver, brake gear and reverser, presumably to facilitate transport and to allow assessment for restoration.