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Class 44 steam locomotive of the Deutsche Bundesbahn.
- For the first time in Era III lettering
- Lower-seated DB Witte smoke deflectors
- Medium driving axles with smaller wheel flanges
- Clear view between boiler and chassis
- Coal tender type 2'2'T34
The standard locomotive program of the Deutsche Reichsbahn-Gesellschaft (DRG) also included the development of a powerful freight locomotive. The BR 44 locomotive with triple engine was expected to be used to transport freight trains up to 1,200 t in low mountain ranges and up to 600 t over steep ramps. In 1926 the first 10 machines with the wheel arrangement 1'E h3 were delivered. It was not until 1937, after the increased demands of train transport, that this locomotive went into series production and was procured in large numbers in various versions. Until they were replaced by modern diesel and electric locomotives, the machines of the 44 series formed the backbone of heavy goods train service throughout Germany.