Since the GDR was only permitted to build locomotives with up to 2, 000 HP under RGW contracts, the order was given to the �23 August Locomotive Factory� in Bucharest in 1974. When the locomotives had been delivered in two designs, the construction of BR 119-type diesel-hydraulic locomotives commenced in 1978. These locomotives had two machine systems and electric train heating, so they were initially trouble-prone and not very reliable. After several changes and the replacement of the engines and gears, the BR 119s � which could achieve speeds of up to 120 km/h � were also used for passenger trains.