In 1964, a pilot production of 20 of these were manufactured with a 1,100 horsepower (820 kW) engine as used in the DB Class V100.1 and a 70 km/h top speed.

After this locomotives conversion to radio control it has been numbered 294 408 Before the main production began, MaK had produced five locomotives of very similar type (but with a MaK engine) for assessment for export orders; they were tested in Sweden.

Since Nuremberg Rbf has a downward gradient of the track (see Gravity Yard), the locomotives are coupled to 6-axle flat wagons converted to brake tenders by being loaded with concrete weights.

A vehicle equipped with this type of remote control has a lamp above the cab window that lights to indicate that the locomotive is capable of receiving the radio signal.

This means that the remote train driver (LRF) can now operate the locomotive at the trackside.

Various functions can be activated remotely - brakes, start, Vkonstant: i.e. running speed is automatically maintained, Sand, clutch etc.

These units were given the classification Class 296 and are found in the marshalling yards at Gremberg, Mannheim, Munich and Northern Seelze.