The German Class 87 was a standard (see Einheitsdampflokomotive) goods train tank locomotive with the Deutsche Reichsbahn-Gesellschaft (DRG). It was specifically designed by the firm of Orenstein & Koppel for use in Hamburg Harbour. The harbour lines had minimal curve radii of only and high train loads to be moved. The axle load had to be no more than . These requirements resulted in an axle count of five axles. In order to keep wear and tear on the running gear within acceptable limits only the middle three wheelsets were linked by coupling rods, the two Luttermöller outside axles were driven by cogs.
Due to damage the vehicles were partly also operated as 1â²D, D1â² or 1â²C1â² engines.
From 1951 they were superseded by DB Class 82 locomotives.