| Analog Basic | DC Dig Extra | AC Dig Extra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light change | X | X | X |
| Fire flickering | X | X | |
| Driver cabin lighting | X 1) | X | X |
| Engine lighting | X | X | |
| Smoke generator | X 2) | X 2) | |
| Digital interface | PluX22 | PluX22 | PluX22 |
| Decoder | X | X | |
| Sound | X | X |
1) function only available in digital mode
2) smoke generator as a retrofit option
Before the class BR 01 gained its reputation as 'the' German express locomotive, the companies Borsig (01 001-008) and AEG (01 009-010) delivered a total of 10 pre-series locomotives to the Deutsche Reichsbahn Gesellschaft (DRG). The first model was the 01 008, which is still preserved today and was handed over to the DRG on 10 January 1926. However, these locomotives were ahead of their time, as many lines and railway depots were not yet prepared for an axle load of 20 t. As a result, the operating distances remained severely limited in the first few years of use. This in turn made the testing phase for the new locomotives an extremely drawn-out process. The most striking difference to the later series locomotives was the visibly longer cab, which remained a feature of the first ten 01's. There were also differences in the design of the frame and many other details.
