The Nordostbahn grouped together a total of 32 two-axle tank locomotives under the name E 2/2. They were built between 1865 and 1876 and differed significantly in some respects. The first four locomotives were developed by machine master Krauss and built in the NOB's own workshops. A significantly heavier variant was also built four times under Maey. A ninth machine was created from the rebuild of a D 1/3, which was not officially designated as E 2/2. Finally, the SLM and the Maschinenfabrik Esslingen delivered a further 24 locomotives, which were again heavier and based on the C 2/2.

The E 2/2 was not only used in shunting service, but also on branch lines in passenger and freight service. The first four were scrapped in 1882. All others received a new boiler between 1884 and 1906. The machines that remained in 1916 were sold to the Army Administration of Austria-Hungary in 1906 and from there came to the FS and MÁV.