From its entry into service in the 1960s, it was an important element of the ÖBB's electrically powered operations.

The remaining Class 1042 units have since been withdrawn from service.

[1] The four-axle locomotives were assembled from 1963 onwards by Simmering-Graz-Pauker at Lokomotivfabrik Floridsdorf.

[1] After the progressive electrification of the Austrian railway network in the 1950s, ÖBB required powerful new engines for operation on the mountain railway lines such as the Semmering pass route.

Hector Rail purchased twelve Class 1142 locomotives from ÖBB in 2005–2006.