The 44 engines of this class built by the Maschinenfabrik Esslingen between 1917 and 1924 were intended for work on the Geislingen ramp (Geislinger Steige) and the Baden Black Forest line.

As a result of good experiences in Austria and the fact that there was a maximum axle load of only 16 tonnes on those routes, it was decided to produce a twelve-coupled locomotive.

After the routes of the Geislinger Steige had been electrified, the engines were no longer required and were given away to Austria, where they were used on the Semmering railway.

Of the 30 examples that stayed in Austria after the Second World War, the majority were sold, two units went to the Soviet Union, six to the Hungarian Railways (MAV).

The remaining four engines retained their serial numbers but were grouped into ÖBB Class 659, namely the 659.06, 23, 29 and 41.