VR Class Tk3

The Finnish VR Class Tk3 (original classification 'K5') was a 2-8-0 light freight locomotive. It was the most numerous steam locomotive class in Finland with 161 built. 100 locomotives were constructed between 1927 and 1930,[1] with a further 61 ordered and constructed 1943–53.[2] They were numbered 800–899, 1100–1118, and 1129–1170.

VR Class Tk3
Tk3 with wood chimney
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
BuilderTampella, Lokomo and Frichs
Build date1927–53
Total produced161
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AAR2-8-0
Gauge1,524 mm (5 ft)
Driver dia.1,270 mm (4 ft 2 in)
Length16 m (52 ft 6 in)
Loco weight51.8 tonnes (51.0 long tons; 57.1 short tons)
Boiler pressure14 bar (1,400 kPa; 200 psi)
CylindersTwo, outside
Valve gearWalschaerts
Performance figures
Maximum speed60 km/h (37 mph)
Tractive effort94 kN (21,130 lbf)
Career
OperatorsVR
First run1927
Withdrawn1975
Disposition38 preserved, remainder scrapped

They were designed for a low axle load of just 10.7 tonnes (10.5 long tons; 11.8 short tons). This allowed them to operate on lightly laid secondary lines, but during their many years of service, up to the end of the steam era, they were also widely used on main lines hauling slow passenger trains that made frequent stops.

They were affectionately called "Pikku-Jumbo" (The Little Jumbo) because of their good performance despite their low weight. They had a low fuel consumption (usually Tk3s used birch wood) and good riding characteristics. They also had good steaming characteristics and were very popular among locomotive crews.

The livery of Tk3 was the same as other VR steam locomotives: dark locomotive green with a black smokebox. When new some locos were lined with thin gold decoration. The gold decorations were not repainted during maintenance, so they were seldom seen.

Two Tk3-type engines were originally supplied by Tampella to Rauma Rautatie as Nos. 9 and 10 (ex-No. 8) in 1935 and 1927 respectively. These engines became Tk3 1117 and 1118 after the private railway was absorbed by the State network in 1950.[1]

Preservation

Thirty-eight members of the class have been preserved:


See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to VR Class Tk3.

References
  1. Katajisto, Juhani. (1985). Eilispäivän kulkuneuvoja. p. 42. Hämeenlinna:Tietoteos. ISBN 951-9035-79-6.
  2. Sakari K. Salo:Höyryveturikirja, ISBN 978-952-5805-12-3
  3. Branch Line News. Branch Line Society. 1183: MR78. 27 April 2013. ISSN 1354-0947. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)

Literature

Valtionrautatiet 1937-1962, Helsinki 1962

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