They were originally built for South Manchuria Railway (Mantetsu), where they were designated Pashishi (パシニ) class.

In anticipation of the resumption of express passenger trains after the end of the First World War, Mantetsu imported six G2 class locomotives from Baldwin of the United States in 1919.

These services were resumed between Dalian and Changchun in June 1921, and between Busan, Korea and Fengtian in July 1923.

Initially used for express trains on the main line, they eventually began working on the Anfeng Line as well, moving express and ordinary passenger trains between Manchuria and Korea.

Like the Pashini class, these were built by Mantetsu's Shahekou Works, and were based on the earlier class, but with a design upgraded using new equipment imported from the United States, and had a larger tender to allow use over longer distances without needing to refuel.