With the exception of the 8700, all models used superheated steam which was the latest technology at the time and were placed in service to pull passenger trains on the Tokaido Line and Sanyo Line.
8700形以外は当時の最新技術である過熱蒸気を採用していたが、いずれも東海道線や山陽線の旅客列車を牽引した。