VR Class Hv1

The Finnish VR Class Hv1 (original classification 'H8') was a 4-6-0 express passenger train locomotive. 42 were built between 1915 and 1921. They were numbered 545–578 and 648–655.[1]

VR Class Hv1
VR Class Hv1 4-6-0, built by Tampella in 1915
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
BuilderTampella, Lokomo
Build date1915–21
Total produced42
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • Whyte4-6-0
Gauge1,524 mm (5 ft)
Loco weight88.5 tonnes (87.1 long tons; 97.6 short tons)
Fuel typeCoal or firewood
Fuel capacity3.5 t (3.4 long tons; 3.9 short tons),>
11 m3 (390 cu ft)
Water cap.14.3 m3 (500 cu ft)
Firebox:
 • Firegrate area		1.99 m2 (21.4 sq ft)
Heating surface108.6 m2 (1,169 sq ft)
Performance figures
Maximum speed95 km/h (59 mph)
Career
Numbers545–578, 648–655
Nicknames"Heikki", Locomotive number 555 was called "Princess"
First run1915
Withdrawn1967
Disposition3 preserved. No. 554 is plinthed in Riihimäki, No. 575 is plinthed next to the Lokomo factory in Tampere. No. 555 is at the Finnish Railway Museum.

Because of the increasing weight of trains, around 1910 there was a need for a more powerful passenger train locomotive, and the Finnish State Railways ordered a new design from Tampella and Lokomo.[2] The initial maximum speed was 80 km/h but this was increased to 95 km/h in 1934.[2] Hv1 locomotives were in use on passenger trains throughout Finland for 50 years. The last of these locomotives was withdrawn in 1967.[2]

The very similar locomotive types Hv2 and Hv3 were built later. The Hv2s were almost identical to the Hv1s, while the Hv3s had longer, 4-axle, 2-truck tenders.

Preservation

Locomotive No. 554 is plinthed in Riihimäki, and No. 575 is located next to the Lokomo factory gate in Tampere. The Finnish Railway Museum has locomotive No. 555 (Tampella No. 264), which was called “Princess”. It was in running order between 1995 and 2000, and is again from 2012 onwards.[1]

  • VR Class Hv1 steam locomotive #554 'Heikki' near Riihimäki railway station in Riihimäki
    VR Class Hv1 steam locomotive #554 'Heikki' near Riihimäki railway station in Riihimäki
  • VR Class Hv1 steam locomotive #554 'Heikki' near Riihimäki railway station in Riihimäki
    VR Class Hv1 steam locomotive #554 'Heikki' near Riihimäki railway station in Riihimäki
  • Hv1 No 547 heads an express train from Turku to Helsinki over the River Aura bridge in 1958
    Hv1 No 547 heads an express train from Turku to Helsinki over the River Aura bridge in 1958
  • Hv1 class No. 575, preserved in front of Metso Lokomo Steels in Hatanpää, Tampere, Finland. This was the first locomotive manufactured by Lokomo and entered service in 1920.
    Hv1 class No. 575, preserved in front of Metso Lokomo Steels in Hatanpää, Tampere, Finland. This was the first locomotive manufactured by Lokomo and entered service in 1920.
  • Class Hv1 No. 575 at Metso Lokomo Steels in Hatanpää, Tampere
    Class Hv1 No. 575 at Metso Lokomo Steels in Hatanpää, Tampere
  • Class Hv1 No. 575 at Metso Lokomo Steels in Hatanpää, Tampere
    Class Hv1 No. 575 at Metso Lokomo Steels in Hatanpää, Tampere
  • A Hv1) steam locomotive at Turku railway station in the 1920s.
    A Hv1) steam locomotive at Turku railway station in the 1920s.
  • A Live Steam 1:8 scale model of the Hv3 series loco and three wooden coaches. Note the longer, 4-axle tender.
    A Live Steam 1:8 scale model of the Hv3 series loco and three wooden coaches. Note the longer, 4-axle tender.
  • Photograph of a wrecked VR Class Hv1 in Iittala, 4 March 1940. Taken later at a depot.
    Photograph of a wrecked VR Class Hv1 in Iittala, 4 March 1940. Taken later at a depot.

See also

References
  1. Finnish website with locomotive technical data
  2. Katajisto, Juhani. (1985). Eilispäivän kulkuneuvoja.. Hämeenlinna:Tietoteos. ISBN 951-9035-79-6.
  • Salo, Sakari K. (2009). Höyryveturikirja, s. 14. Helsinki: Kustantaja Laaksonen. ISBN 978-952-5805-12-3.
  • Pölhö, Eljas; Pykälä-Aho, Mia (1996). Suomen juna- ja raitiovaunukuvasto [Finnish Motive Power 1.1.1996] (in Finnish and English). ISBN 91-7266-133-X.
  • Finnish Railway Museum Official website
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