Since the eight-coupled steam locomotives around the turn of the century were no longer sufficient for the coal trains on the 3.7 percent of the Prague-Dux railway and on other north Bohemian routes, the kkStB needed a more powerful engine. Gölsdorf had already developed eight-coupleds with axles which could slide transversely according to his system and now, with the 180, launched the first ten-coupled, which was also practical on routes with tight curves.

180.501

Locomotive Magazine, September 1907

In order to be able to negotiate curves of up to 180 meters without any problems, the first, third and fifth axles were designed to be slidable. The lateral play was 26, 20 and 26 millimeters on each side. In order to create enough space for the wheels of the first axle, the cylinders were moved as far forward as possible. The drive had to be on the fourth axle, since the third was mounted movable. The crossheads were moved far back to keep the connecting rods from becoming too long.

Schematic drawing of the 180.0 with dimensions

Die Lokomotive, April 1911

The boiler was placed as high as possible so that the firebox could rest on the frame. It had two steam domes that were connected to each other to always ensure optimal steam extraction on ascents and descents. At 3.7 percent, the locomotives could transport 190 tonnes at 15 km/h. During test drives on a one percent steep stretch, 600 tons could be pulled at 35 km/h, which corresponded to an output of 1,250 hp. 

A total of 181 examples of the original 180.0 series were built until 1908. From number 95, a modified boiler was used, which had a larger grate but a smaller firebox heating surface. The Südbahn procured 27 locomotives, which were identical to the 180.0 of the state railway and were mainly used on the Semmering and Brenner railway. From 1906, the state railway had another 58 units with steam dryers manufactured, which only had one steam dome and were listed as series 180.500. They were primarily used as pusher locomotives, including on the Arlberg Railway.

Since the main area of operation for the 180.0 was in northern Bohemia, a total of 105 examples came to the CSD after the First World War, where they were listed as the 523.0 series. They were converted into twins, redesignated 524.2 and used until the sixties. During the German occupation they had born the numbers 57 701 to 750. 50 examples of the kkStB and all engines of the southern railway came to Italy to the FS and became Baureihe 477 there. The BBÖ was only able to keep 61 examples and retired most of them until 1938. After the connection to the German Reich, the nine remaining locomotives were given the numbers 57 001 to 009 for the short remainder of their service life.