Under the Whyte notation for the classification of steam locomotives, 2-10-0 represents the wheel arrangement of two leading wheels on one axle, ten powered and coupled driving wheels on five axles, and no trailing wheels. These locomotives were popular in Europe, particularly in Germany and in Russia. In the former Soviet Union they came from several sources: US imports, German war trophy and locally built. Among the locally built, the L (Lebedyanski) series was one of the more advanced steam locomotives built in the country.
