BR 17.4

Maffei developed simultaneously with the double coupled S 2/5 a three times coupled express train locomotive of type S 3/5 N. Maffei delivered in three production runs from 1903 up to 1907 40 steam locomotives of type S 3/5 N. The locomotives had a four cylinder non-superheated transmission (the letter N stands for Naßdampf). The steam locomotives could pull a train of 300 ton on a flatland with a speed of 100 km/h and at a hillside of 5 ‰ with a speed of 70 km/h. 33 locomotives were stationed at Bw München I and 7 locomotives in Bw Nürnberg. From the second production run (number 3314, built in 1904) the boiler was shortened from 4850 mm to 4500 mm, and they raised the boiler pressure from 14 to 16 bar. The diameter of the high pressure cylinders was increased from 335 mm to 340 mm. In 1906, locomotive 3329 was equiped by experiment with a smokebox superheater. The good result with this experiment leaded to the decision that the Bavarian railways ordered in 1908 again the S 3/5, but now as a four cylinder superheated steam locomotive. This steam locomotive was indicated as S 3/5 H, later became this the BR 17.5. After the first world war, 39 locomotives were handed over to France (EST XI), 5 locomotives were going to the AL and one locomotives was going to the PKP.

In service at the DRG

The DRG took over 20 locomotives and put them into service as BR 17.4 with the numbers: 17 401 up to 17 420. In 1928 16 locomotives were set aside. 8 locomotives were going to the DB after the second world war where they were set aside in 1948 and 1948.