These engines were rebuilt from DRG Class 39.0-2 locomotives and appeared between 1958 and 1962 as part of the reconstruction programme.

The wider outer firebox meant that the driver's cab needed a modified rear wall.

The locomotives were given operating numbers 22 001–085 and were mainly homed in the Reichsbahn divisions of Dresden and Erfurt.

The DR employed the locomotives on heavy express train duties in the schedules for the DRG Class 01, which led to overloading of the original components (frame cracks, piston damage).

In 1970 the engines were allocated to Class 39 under the DR's new computerised numbering scheme.