Ernest L. Ahrons is quoted as regarding the type as "probably the simplest and cheapest locomotives ever made in this country",[4] and O. S. Nock described them as "splendid".

[1] Many aspects of the 17in Coal's design reflected John Ramsbottom's final design: the 0-6-0 Special Tank, including the identical wheel diameter and cylinder dimensions, but the new engines had a larger, improved boiler.

During the First World War the Railway Operating Division of the Royal Engineers took many Coal Engines for use overseas, including many to the British Expeditionary Force in France and 42 to the Palestine Military Railway.

[7] 227 Coal Engines passed into LMS stock after the 1923 grouping.

Between 1905 and 1907, 45 Coal Engines were rebuilt as tank locomotives with a single square saddle tank perched on the boiler and a small coal bunker behind the cab.