VR FleetCare has developed transfer bogies that allow European-gauge rolling stock to be moved by rail from Sweden to Finland for maintenance.
The transfer bogies address the break of gauge between Sweden’s 1,435 mm network and Finland’s 1,524 mm network, which has historically required rolling stock to be moved by road once inside Finland. Using the new system, vehicles can be transferred in Tornio onto bogies compatible with the Finnish gauge and hauled by rail to VR FleetCare’s facilities.
The first application is linked to an ongoing modernisation programme for SJ AB’s X40 fleet. Under the project, 27 double-deck electric multiple units are being refurbished at VR FleetCare’s Oulu project centre. The work is intended to extend the service life of the trains by 15–20 years, with the final refurbished sets scheduled to return to service in early 2028.
According to VR FleetCare, the transfer bogies allow complete trainsets to be moved without dismantling, reducing the need for oversized road transport and additional handling outside workshops. SJ stated that this approach lowers environmental impact and reduces the risk of technical issues associated with repeated disassembly and reassembly.
VR FleetCare said it has invested close to EUR 10m in developing the Oulu project centre, including a new paint shop and upgraded facilities. The company expects the transfer bogie concept to support future maintenance and modernisation projects involving foreign rolling stock transferred to Finland by rail.
