VR Class Dr16

Class Dr16
Three Dr16s heading a freight train at Hangas, near Pikkarala, northern Finland, 2001
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderValmet Oy, Tampere (numbers 2801–2809)
Transtech Oy, Otanmäki and Taivalkoski (numbers 2810–2823)
Oy Strömberg Ab, inverters, generator and motors
Serial number2801-2823
Build date1985–1992
Total produced23
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UICBo′Bo′
Gauge1,524 mm (5 ft)
Wheel diameter1,250 mm (49.21 in)
Length17.60 m (57 ft 9 in)
Width3.2 m (10 ft 6 in)
Height4.73 m (15 ft 6 in)
Axle load20.5 t (20.2 long tons; 22.6 short tons)/21 t (21 long tons; 23 short tons)
Loco weight82 t (81 long tons; 90 short tons)/84 t (83 long tons; 93 short tons)
Fuel typeDiesel
Prime moverPielstick 12PA4-V-200VG
Wärtsilä Vaasa 8V22 (2803/2804)
TransmissionInverter-driven three-phase AC induction motors
Performance figures
Maximum speed140 km/h (87 mph)
Power output1,677 kW (2,249 hp) (1,500 kW (2,000 hp) 2803/2804)
Tractive effort270 kN (61,000 lbf)
Career
Operators
ClassDr16
Number in class18
Numbers2805–2823
NicknamesIso Vaalee (Big White)
Localenorthern and eastern Finland
Delivered22 April 1985-30 June 1992
First run1986
Last run7 September 2025
Restored2024-
DispositionIn service

The Dr16 is a class of diesel-electric locomotives built for VR Group. The 23 locomotives have a single, off-centre cab. Their nickname is "Iso Vaalee" (Big Blonde). They are presently mainly used on heavy freight services in northern Finland; their main passenger duty is the haulage of trains on the non-electrified line between Kemi and Kolari in Lapland. Dr16 locomotives were also used extensively on the line between Oulu and Rovaniemi, prior to the completion of the electrification of the line in 2004.

VR plans to retire its Dr16 locomotives by the end of 2025.