The Hall class fulfilled a long-felt demand for a versatile engine with wide route availability, capable of handling anything from freight to express passenger. The engines designed by Charles Collett, were based on the Churchward 'Saint' class but with smaller driving wheels, and production of the Hall class started in 1928 - more than fulfilling the traffic departments wishes. Essentially this was the first genuine mixed traffic class to enter service in the UK and the concept was emulated by other railway companies, notably with the LMS and their ubiquitous 'Black 5' 4-6-0. In all, 259 were built, including Hawksworth's modified version, which a better performer than the original version. Improvements included better superheating and draughting of the fire while there were several other detail differences to improve the strength of the frames and reliability of the class.
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