DB locomotive classification

If another powered car or engine is present in the multiple unit, its serial number usually is offset by 500, but it is still assigned into the original class.

The DRB Class 50 (with originally more than 3,000 units, of which DB still had more than 1,000 by the end of 1967) gave rise to BR 050, 051, 052 and 053.

The latter solution could lead to number conflicts in cases where the original (sub)class had comprised more than 1,000 units.

Electric engines were considered the most important method of traction, and hence were assigned the number 1.

The old numbers were directly proportional with the engine power, so that two- and three-digit codes existed.

The third number differentiates between brakes and transmission (chain drive or Cardan shafts).

The existing narrow gauge locomotives of the Wangerooge Island Railway became Class 329.