After rebuilding its lines to standard gauge in 1906, Mantetsu needed new locomotives, and placed several orders with American builders.
One of these orders was placed with ALCO for four 4-4-0 (Amei class) and two 4-6-0 passenger locomotives.
These were initially numbered 100 and 101, and with the introduction of Mantetsu's 1907 classification system, they were designated class F and renumbered 600 and 601.
These four locomotives were originally built for an American customer but delivered to Manchuria instead; according to Mantetsu records, the original customer was the Boston & Maine Railroad, but according to ALCO records, they were - like the Amei class 4-4-0s - originally built for the Chicago Southern Railway (later part of the Milwaukee Road.
Both were taken over by the Republic of China Railway after the end of the Pacific War.