höyryvetureiden

Höyryvetureiden, the Finnish word for steam locomotives, refers to a type of railway locomotive that produces its power by burning fuel, such as coal or wood, to boil water in a boiler. The resulting steam is then directed to pistons, which drive the locomotive's wheels. Historically, steam locomotives were the dominant form of rail transport worldwide for over a century, playing a crucial role in industrialization and the expansion of transportation networks.

The basic components of a steam locomotive include a firebox where the fuel is burned, a boiler where water is heated to produce steam, cylinders where the steam expands to move pistons, and a driving wheel mechanism that translates the piston's linear motion into rotational motion. Variations in design, such as the arrangement of wheels (wheel arrangement or Whyte notation), the type of boiler, and the presence of superheaters, led to different types of steam locomotives optimized for various tasks and terrains.

In Finland, steam locomotives were instrumental in developing the country's railway system from the mid-19th century. The first steam locomotive in Finland, "Ilmarinen," entered service in 1860. Finnish railways utilized a range of steam locomotive classes throughout their operational period, serving both passenger and freight transport. As technology advanced, steam locomotives were gradually replaced by diesel and electric locomotives due to their higher efficiency, lower operating costs, and reduced environmental impact. While no longer in regular commercial service, many preserved steam locomotives, including Finnish examples, are now maintained by railway museums and heritage organizations, often used for special excursions and events, preserving a significant part of railway history.