Three units were made, but no orders arose, at least in part due to the Reunification of Germany making similarly specified DR Class 132s available in large numbers.

They were designed as a universal high powered locomotive, capable of hauling both freight and passenger trains, for use on the non-electrified parts of the German rail network - which at that time included much of northern Germany.

No orders from the Deutsche Bundesbahn came as a result of this - instead electrification of parts of the northern German rail network took place, the reunification of Germany put a nail in the coffin of the possibility of any orders from the home country; as large numbers of similar DR Class 132 locomotives became available.

The concept and design of these locomotives served as the basis for the NSB Di6 class, which have received negative headlines due to their rejection and return from the Norwegian railways.

Since only one locomotive remains in service, with no further machines expected[10] the final example has an element of cult status amongst some diesel-electric train fans.