VR Class Dr13
| Company type | Diesel locomotive |
|---|---|
| Industry | Railway transport |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Headquarters | Tampere , Finland |
| Products | Diesel locomotives |
| Parent | VR Group |
VR Class Dr13 (known as Hr13 until 1 January 1976) was a robust diesel locomotive operated by the VR Group. Developed by the French manufacturer Alstom, this class comprised 54 locomotives: the initial two units were constructed at Alstom’s Belfort facility in France in 1962, while the rest were assembled in Tampere by Lokomo (odd-numbered) and Valmet (even-numbered). The first Dr13 was delivered to Finland on 24 October 1962. Production and deployment spanned from 1962 to 1963, with the final retirements occurring by June 2000.
Design
The Dr13 represented VR Group’s most powerful and swiftest diesel locomotive, designed to complement the VR Class Dr12 fleet, which featured heavier axle loads but lower power output and were restricted to sturdier tracks. Its propulsion system consisted of two MGO V16 BSHR engines made by Tampella—similar to those found in the medium-duty Dv12 locomotives—each powering a separate generator; French-built versions were equipped with engines from SACM. Initially assigned to freight and passenger services in Eastern Finland, primarily from Kouvola, the Dr13's role shifted westward as electrification expanded, operating mainly on non-electrified lines in Western Finland.
Distinct from typical designs that employ one electric motor per axle, the Dr13 utilized two large traction motors—one mounted above each bogie—which transmitted power to three axles via external gearboxes. Early production units encountered challenges such as battery failures, radiator inefficiencies, and drivetrain issues, largely due to the original French design’s inability to withstand Finland’s severe climate. Adaptations included installing protective hoods over air intakes and adding ventilation grilles on the roof to block snow intrusion. The locomotive’s actual weight surpassed initial specifications, and its ride quality was compromised on uneven track sections, earning it the colloquial name "Hyppyheikki" ("Jumping Heikki"). Despite ongoing technical difficulties, this class remained essential for hauling high-powered trains.
The Dr13’s final operational duties took place on unelectrified routes between Tampere and Turku. After close to four decades of service—the newest units being 35 years old—the last locomotives were withdrawn in June 2000. Two examples have been preserved: No. 2349 is exhibited at the Finnish Railway Museum, alongside No. 2343.
Nicknames
Several nicknames were associated with the Dr13, many reflecting its Alstom origin: "Alstikka," "Alsti," "Alspommi," and "Ranskatar" (translating as "Frenchwoman"). Additional monikers included "Hyppyheikki" ("Jumping Heikki"), "Kymen Huru," "Marinella," as well as “Myymäläauto” ("Mobile shop") and "Nakkiputka" ("Sausage kiosk"), the latter two inspired by its distinctive windscreen design. Upon arrival in Finland from Belfort, France, Dr13 No. 2302 was christened “Wäinämöinen” by Mrs. Sylvi Kekkonen, spouse of the Finnish President.
Numbering
| Year | Quantity | Locomotive Numbers | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | 2 | 2301, 2302 | Initial prototypes |
| 1963 | 16 | 2303–2318 | |
| 1964 | 17 | 2319–2334, 2336 | |
| 1965 | 19 | 2335, 2337–2354 |
See also
- Finnish Railway Museum
- VR Group
- List of Finnish locomotives
- List of railway museums Worldwide
- Heritage railways
- List of heritage railways
- Restored trains
- Jokioinen Museum Railway
- History of rail transport in Finland