In parallel to the 01 series, the Deutsche Reichsbahn (German NationalRailway) developed the closely related 02 series. In a direct comparison between the twin two-cylinder design (BR 01) and the composite four-cylinder design (BR 02), the Erfurt, Hamm P and Hof depots began tests to determine which locomotive series was the more suitable for the Deutsche Reichsbahn in everyday operations from 1925 onwards. Due to design defects in the BR02�s steam pathways, it could not fully exploit the advantages of composite technology compared to the BR 01. The additional higher on going maintenance costs then finally led to the decision to give the BR 01 priority in series production. Between 1937 and 1942 the 10 locomotives of the BR 02 series were converted into locomotives of the BR01 at the Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk (national railway repair works) in Meiningen and renumbered as 01 011 (ex 02 001) and 01 233-241 (ex 02002-010). In this condition all 10 locomotives entered service with the Deutsche Bundesbahn (West German Federal Railway). The 001 234-4 was the last to be taken out of service at the Hof railway depot in 1972.
