However, this particular line had been burdened with gradients of around two percent as well as curves with less than 250 m (0.16 mi) radii, and low capacity bridges.

The Ministry of Railways approached the Vulcan Foundry in Britain, who devised a series of locomotives of a 4-8-4 wheel arrangement.

The 4-8-4 wheel arrangement allowed for better weight distribution as well as improved handling on sharp curves[improper synthesis?]

.When the Changsha-Canton Railway was completed in October 1936, locomotives 600-623 were transferred to operate over northern section between Hankou and Changsha on this new main line.

[citation needed] During World War II the locomotives were transferred to Guangxi Province through Hunan–Guangxi Railway, away from Japanese-occupied territory.