In the 54.8-11 class, several operable units survived the Second World War, and they continued to see use after the war because of the extreme shortage of locomotives. This included all the 54.8 units that had been converted to superheated steam, even though this was one of the most economical DR classes. The 54.8 units that counted as Polish property were not affected by this order. They remained in DB operation until 1951, and were only decommissioned when it became clear that the political situation made their return impossible.
