The Finnish locomotive numbering scheme

by pertti.tapola@ntc.nokia.com - August 1995


The Finnish locomotives are numbered so that each series gets its own range of numbers. See the THE EUROPEAN TRAIN LIST: NATIONAL RAILWAYS for details of the numbers.

In addition to the number, a series code (e.g. Sr1) is used. This series code can be deciphered by the following key(s):

The current system:

(1.1.1976->)

Xynn

X is motive power:

y is the axleweight:

nn is the serial number (of the type) within a series.
There is no space between the letter and digit part of the code.

The old system:

(8.10.1942-31.12.1975; still in use for the museal steam locomotives)

Xynn

X is the main purpose of the locomotive:

y is the axleweight:

nn is the serial number (of the type) within a series.

For motored coaches:

(since the first one)

Xynn

X is the propulsion:

y is the transmission:

nn is the serial number (of the type) within a series.


Pertti Tapola (pertti.tapola@ntc.nokia.com)