The design was more traditional with a saturated Belpaire boiler that was unique to the 700 class.[4] It was also fitted with slide valves as opposed to piston valves.[2] The tenders used initially were those reallocated from withdrawn 360 class 4-6-0.[2] A more modern feature was underslung springs.[2]
Operationally the need for the class has subsequently been questioned and speculation has arisen that it was to use up surplus type 60 boilers.[2]
This class seems to have compared poorly with the older 101 Class when especially when the latter were fitted with superheated boilers, possibly due to an inadequate heating surface leading to high coal and water consumption.[2]
Class 710
They were more modern than the five Class 700
0-6-2T introduced in 1933 but with smaller wheels more suited to branch and goods work. Whilst intended as a modern addition to the 101 class they seemed to gain a reputation as poor steamers and heavy on coal and water. Following their introduction the GSR resumed rebuilding the 101 class with the Z-type superheated boiler[3]
