After speed tests with a streamlined DRG Class 03 the Borsig locomotive factories[i] produced three engines: The locomotives did regular service in FD express passenger trains, e.g. FD 23 from Hamburg to Berlin.

This record was broken two years later by the British LNER Class A4 4468 Mallard engine, on a slightly downhill line but with a heavier (240 ton) train.

Boiler pressure was reduced to 16 bar or 230 psi, hence the engines lost some of their old power.

Mostly the 05 hauled the FD (long-distance express) trains "Hanseat" and "Domspatz" on the run Hamburg - Cologne - Frankfurt.

05 001 went to the Verkehrsmuseum Nürnberg, where it can be seen streamlined in large parts - the drivetrain on the right hand side remains visible - in its original red livery.