For the opening of the 6.6 km (4.1 mi) long railway line from Doberan to Heiligendamm the DHE had procured two 'tramway' locomotives, which were given the numbers 1 and 2.

Not long afterwards, it became clear that the locomotives were not able to cope with the rising levels of traffic as they could only haul a three-coach train.

The two saturated steam engines were on the inside, and the diagonally-oriented cylinders drove the rear coupled axle.

The footplate was located on the right hand side and could be used for driving both forwards and backwards due to the good visibility it afforded.

Reversing the Joy valve gear was achieved using a lever working a crossed eccentric rod.