To haul fast passenger trains in the highly frequented D-train network, the Deutsche Reichsbahn ordered a total of 55 class 01.10 locomotives in 1939. The big advantage of the express
steam locomotive was that it could reach a maximum speed of 140 km/h. When used with long distance passenger trains, the locomotives were able to keep, even on inclined rail
sections, a constant speed of 100 km/h. During the conversion work at the Deutsche Bundesbahn, oil firing was to be installed and, from 1968 on, the “Iron horses” were designated as
class 012.