The German Class 87 was a standard (see Einheitsdampflokomotive) goods traintank 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 100 metres (330 ft) and high train loads to be moved. The axle load had to be no more than 17.5 tonnes (17.2 long tons; 19.3 short tons). 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 1′D, D1′ or 1′C1′ engines.
From 1951 they were superseded by DB Class 82 locomotives.
Hütter, Ingo (2021). Die Dampflokomotiven der Baureihen 60 bis 91 der DRG, DRB, DB, und DR (in German). Werl: DGEG Medien. pp. 292–294. ISBN 978-3-946594-21-5.
Weisbrod, Manfred; Müller, Hans; Petznik, Wolfgang (1978). Dampflokomotiven deutscher Eisenbahnen, Baureihe 60–96 (EFA 1.3) (in German) (4th ed.). Düsseldorf: Alba. pp. 121–123. ISBN 3-87094-083-2.