The standard locomotive program of the Deutsche Reichsbahn Gesellschaft (DRG) also included the development of a powerful freight locomotive. The locomotive with a triple engine, known as the BR 44, was expected to be able to transport freight trains of up to 1,200 t in low mountain ranges and up to 600 t over steep ramps. In 1926, the first 10 examples of the 22,620 mm long machines with the 1’E h3 wheel arrangement were delivered. They reached a top speed of 80 km/h forwards NOCH least 50 km/h when reversing with the tender in front. During the II. Until they were replaced by modern diesel and electric locomotives, the Class 44 engines formed the backbone of the heavy freight train service throughout Germany. Because of their enormous pulling power, the machines were also called “Jumbo”.