The BR 86 steam locomotive, designed in 1925 for a 15-ton axle loading, was primarily used on branch lines, particularly in hilly and mountainous areas. These locomotives were built to standardized specifications, which greatly improved maintenance and spare parts availability. MGB Karlsruhe was the first manufacturer, producing the BR86 in 1928 and the last one in 1943 as an interim war version. With a total of 776 units built, the BR 86 has the longest production run of any locomotive in Germany. From 1939, this type of locomotive also operated in Austria, Poland, and the Soviet Union. After World War II, Czechoslovakia operated 65 seized BR 86 locomotives as war prizes and reparations. They were in service until the 1960's, when they were largely phased out.
