The first 17in Coal was constructed in 1873, the first of almost five hundred built. Ernest L. Ahrons is quoted as regarding the type as "probably the simplest and cheapest locomotives ever made in this country", and O. S. Nock described them as "splendid".
The first 17-inch Coal was constructed in 1873, the first of almost five hundred built. Ernest L. Ahrons is quoted as viewing the type as "likely the most basic and economical locomotives ever produced in this country", and O. S. Nock described them as "outstanding".