The Ukko-Pekka Train is one of the few retro trains in Finland. It most often operates as a charter train rented by organizers of events, festivals, and sports competitions. However, the train’s owner occasionally organizes public trips.
The train consists of a steam locomotive and historic carriages, including a dining car. Hr1 locomotives were produced at Tampella between 1937 and 1957. They can reach speeds of up to 110 km/h. A total of 22 units of this locomotive model were built. The Ukko-Pekka steam locomotive no. 1009, along with its carriages, is normally based at the locomotive depot in the town of Kouvola.
The vintage carriages, which formerly operated on trains in the Helsinki metropolitan area, were restored in England between 1990 and 1996. In 2019, the restoration of an old passenger car that can accommodate 100 passengers was completed. In the summer of 2020, the owner of the Ukko-Pekka train purchased four additional carriages from Finnish Railways.
The currently available carriages include:
– a bar carriage from 1949 (72 seats)
– a café carriage from 1950 (62 seats)
– a 1950 passenger carriage (48 seats)
– a salon carriage (100 seats) from 1898
– two passenger carriages (80 seats)
– a passenger carriage (46 seats)
– a postal carriage
– a service carriage
In contrast to the old carriages from the mid-19th century, the four carriages purchased in 2020 have a modern appearance.
It is also possible to rent the train with the steam locomotive.
In recent years, the Ukko-Pekka train has operated on disused railway lines and in the Helsinki area. At the time this article was written, there was no information about any upcoming public trips.
Ukko-Pekka train – official website
Related articles:
Train travel in Finland – a comprehensive guide
