In early models, the second axle on each truck was driven with side rods.

Both the engineer's and fireman's seats were raised almost two feet on platforms (under which was the brake equipment, if applicable), to provide better visibility during switching.

It has a high weight to power ratio and has excellent traction, rated to be able to pull 20 loaded freight cars on level track.

They were built with a short wheelbase for use in industrial plants, yards, and other places where clearances were tight.

Although intended as switcher locomotives, they sometimes served mainline duties, although nearly all had an imposed speed limit of 20 mph (32 km/h) due to the double reduction gearing of their traction motors.