Arriving in France (via the Port of Cherbourg[1]), the unit was assigned to the depot at Le Mans.

It worked out of Le Mans from July 17, 1947 until August 25, 1971, when it was retired after having travelled 1 627 474 km.

The donation did not proceed and the unit was stored at Vitré station, under the supervision of the Association Rail 35.

1199 was pulled from service in 2011 for a boiler overhaul [5] at a cost of 191 000 Euros with support of the Fondation du patrimoine.

[6] The locomotive is well-known in France and has been visited by thousands during heritage events in the country.