VR Class Hr1

The Hr1 class (original classification P1) was the largest passenger express steam locomotive built in Finland. Twenty-two were built between the years 1937–1957. They were numbered 1000–1021.

VR Class Hr1
Hr1 1021 with Witte-type smoke deflectors
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Lokomo Oy and Tampella Oy Build date 1937–1957 Total produced 22
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR 4-6-2 Gauge 1,524 mm (5 ft) Driver dia. 1,900 mm (6 ft 3 in) Length 22.2 m (72 ft 10 in) Loco weight 155 tonnes (153 long tons; 171 short tons) with tender Boiler pressure 15 bar (1,500 kPa; 220 psi) Cylinders Two, outside Valve gear Walschaerts
Performance figures Maximum speed 110 km/h (68 mph) Tractive effort 114 kN (25,630 lbf)
Career Operators VR First run 1937 Withdrawn 1972 returned to service due to oil crisis withdrawn in 1974 Disposition six scrapped, remainder preserved

In the 1930s, there was a need for faster and heavier express trains in Finland, and the Hv1–Hv3 classes were not powerful enough to fill the need. Lokomo Oy in Tampere built first two prototypes, and after successful trials 20 more were built. Most of the locomotives were fitted with Wagner-type smoke deflectors, but the last two, which were equipped with roller bearings, had Witte-type deflectors.

The class's nickname was "Ukko-Pekka", meaning approximately "(respected) Grandpa Pekka", after the President of Finland Pehr Evind Svinhufvud.

The Hr1 was built for coal firing, but during the coal shortage after the war in 1945, birch wood was used as fuel. Larger chimneys needed for extinguishing wood sparks were temporarily fitted.

The Hr1s were the most important express steam locomotive and could justifiably be called the "flagships" of VR until 1963, when diesel locomotives started to replace steam. Their use ended officially in 1971, but two Hr1s equipped with roller bearings were brought back to use for a short time in the spring of 1974. One engine, 1005, was a participant in the worst peacetime railroad accident in Finland, the Kuurila accident, in 1957. The engine is preserved at Haapamäki.

Hr1's sister locomotive was the Tr1 class, otherwise similar, but with 2-8-2 wheel arrangement and smaller diameter drivers for freight train use.