Between 1918 and 1927, the PLM received 490 four-cylinder compound Mikados which had been inspired by earlier Mikados built by the SFCM and Baldwin. The first 20 had been built by the Swiss SLM, but all others came from different French manufacturers. What was special compared to the usual French de Glehn compounds, was that the high pressure cylinders were on the inside and inclined, while the low pressure cylinders were on the outside at the front. With a driver diameter of 1,650 mm (65 inches), they were intended for mixed traffic and were approved for 95 km/h (59 mph). 

Soon they were designated 141 C and 190 more were built in 1933 and 1934. After the founding of the SNCF, the subclasses 141 D to F were created by rebuilding the 141 C. The 141 D consisted of 124 locomotives which had received either an ACFI or DABEG feedwater heater. 254 locomotives got modifications on the exhaust, got steam deflectors and were called 141 E. These now had 2,400 instead of 1,950 hp. By changing the leading axle of 195 locomotives to allow a top speed of 105 km/h, the 141 F was created.

All in all, both the unrebuilt and the rebuilt forms of these locomotives were very successful. After World War II, the decision to order the 141 R might have been influenced by the versatility of the 141 C. 141 F 282 was preserved and can today be found at the Cité du Train at Mulhouse.