Historic trams dismantled at Haapamäki Steam Locomotive Park in Keuruu, causing outrage

Anne Teirisalo from Espoo was shocked to discover the dismantling of historic trams at the Haapamäki Steam Locomotive Park in Keuruu earlier this month. She visited the site after hearing from fellow railway enthusiasts about unusual activities at the park. Upon arrival, she witnessed a junkyard vehicle entering the premises and noticed that her owned trams were missing. She claimed she had not authorized their relocation, and when she inquired with the scrappers, she learned that the trams had already been crushed. Teirisalo immediately reported the incident to the police.

Authorities soon found that there was also uncertainty surrounding the ownership of a steam locomotive being taken apart on-site. The operators of the park confirmed to a local newspaper that they had been dismantling their own poorly maintained equipment. Meanwhile, the Finnish railway company VR believes the scrapped locomotive, known as Tr1 or Risto, was its property. The tram cars had narrowly escaped dismantling by being saved by Teirisalo and another collector back in 2020.

Teirisalo is determined to see the remnants of her trams on Wednesday and expressed her dismay. She emphasized their historical value, particularly lamenting the likely loss of HKL 719, the last surviving wooden trailer acquired for the 1940 Helsinki Olympics. The police are investigating the demolitions as severe misconduct, as both Teirisalo and VR have a stake in the matter.

The destruction of the Tr1 has been a significant blow for rail preservationists since the locomotive was reportedly in good condition when moved to the park. The recent events have prompted the Finnish Railway Museum to consider relocating VR’s rolling stock, although no similar facility exists in the country.