The �Holzroller�, as the electric locomotives of Class E 11/E 42 were also nicknamed, were supplied to the Deutsche Reichsbahn by VEB Lokomotivbau-Elektrotechnische Werke �Hans Beimler� in Henningsdorf from 1961 onwards. After 1970 the locomotives were then re-designated according to the valid regulations as Class 211/242 and for a long time they were the backbone of electric train transport at the DR.