The class 11F of the Great Central was developed by Robinson as the successor to the class 11E, called “Directors Class”. This is why they were also called “Improved Directors Class”. Although they had similar dimensions, changes included the layout of the boiler tubes and piston valves with inside admission. Eleven were built from 1919 for the GCR's London extension between Marylebone and Sheffield.

After the LNER was founded in 1923, Gresley had another 24 built for use in Scotland. These had a smaller loading gauge and were designated D11/2, while the original batch was designated D11/1. All locomotives were withdrawn between September 1958 and January 1962. No. 506 „Butler-Henderson” is the only one that has been preserved. It was operational until the nineties and is located at Barrow Hill Engine Shed near Chesterfield.