For the transport of large quantities of non-moisture-sensitive bulk goods, such as ore, coal and coke, DB procured open self-unloading wagons in several designs from 1969 onwards. In addition to the Fads 176 series, which was based on the UIC standard, the Fads 175 series was developed, which featured different hatch closures (among other things) in accordance with the more specific guidelines set out in UIC data sheet 571.3. The Fads 177 series was also built along the same basic lines. In order to ensure problem-free goods handling at older loading facilities, the Fads 177 models (in contrast to the Fads 175) had ultra-low-profile upper bodies and were used exclusively for ore transport.
All types were delivered with BA 664 or 664.1 bogies, and in some cases, Y25 bogies. The latter were also used in the 1990s to replace the BA 644 bogies, which were prone to cracking. The wagons were used almost exclusively in block trains. Early in their service life, they were notably used to transport ore from the port of Emden to the Ruhr and Saar regions. Until October 1977, the trains, each consisting of two 25-wagon train sections and weighing up to 4,000 t, were typically pulled by two BR 044/043 locomotives over the Emsland line.
