kkStB 112

The kkStB 112 was a class of 2-8-0 steam locomotives operated by the Imperial Royal Austrian State Railways (kaiserlich-königliche Staatsbahnen, or kkStB). These locomotives were designed primarily for freight service on mountainous lines within the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The class 112 locomotives were characterized by their eight coupled driving wheels, providing good traction, and a two-wheel leading truck for improved stability when traversing curves. They were typically equipped with superheaters, which improved their efficiency. Various sub-classes existed within the 112 series, differing slightly in boiler pressure, grate area, and other detailed specifications.

Following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I, the locomotives of the kkStB 112 class were distributed amongst the successor railway administrations. The largest number of locomotives went to the Czechoslovak State Railways (ČSD), where they were designated as class 423.0. Significant numbers also went to the Polish State Railways (PKP), the Austrian Federal Railways (BBÖ, later ÖBB), and the Italian State Railways (FS). They continued to serve in these countries for many years, often undergoing modifications and upgrades to suit local conditions and requirements. Their robust design and strong pulling power made them valuable assets for handling heavy freight traffic.