In 1873, the Kaiserin-Elisabeth-Bahn initially received eight freight locomotives from the Sächsische Maschinenfabrik Hartmann in Chemnitz. One of them received an honorary diploma at the 1873 World Exhibition in Vienna. The next 16 locomotives came from Austria, namely from Wiener Neustadt and Floridsdorf.

These were eight-coupled locomotives with a wheel diameter of 1,106 mm for use on low mountain lines with a low axle load. To run through tighter curves, the fourth axle could be moved laterally by 20 mm. They had outside cylinders but inside valve gear.

When the KEB was nationalized in 1884 they became the kkStB class 70. Shortly thereafter they received new boilers to extend their life. After the First World War, a total of five came to the ČSD, which remained in service for more than 20 years. The two machines of the BBÖ were retired in 1936.