The German locomotives of DRG Class 43 were standard (see Einheitsdampflokomotive) goods train engines with the Deutsche Reichsbahn.

According to the first classification scheme of the DR's Standardisation Bureau, 2-10-0 goods train locomotives were to be procured with a 20-ton axle load.

In response to that, number 43 013 was loaded for testing purposes with a train of 5000 tons – that is more than twice that given in the haulage tables – and headed it without complaint.

[2] The Class 43s, which had operating numbers 43 001 – 43 035, all remained with the DR in East Germany after the Second World War.

In 1960, the remaining engines were once again modernised, the powerful boiler even enabled goods trains greater than the maximum allowable load to be hauled.