[4] However, the company wanted a totally new locomotive, and finally chose Valmet's type M in 1983, with Strömberg providing the electrical components.

[14] The manufacturer had anticipated a larger series to be ordered to replace old heavy line diesels (Dr12 and Dr13); however, the rapid progress of the electrification of Finnish main lines decreased the need for new heavy diesel locomotives and thus no further orders materialized.

[17] The locomotive was very modern at its time and it was among the first[6] to use microprocessor-controlled GTO thyristor inverter-driven three-phase asychronous AC motors.

[20] The maximum frequency of the inverters corresponds to 156 kilometres per hour (97 mph), and the locomotive has reached that in test runs.

[citation needed] The locomotive provides 400 kW 1500 V electricity for heating of passenger cars.

[27][28] In addition to the prototypes, one series locomotive, number 2814, was scrapped in 2000 after sustaining serious damage in a level crossing accident near the municipality of Ii.

[30] It is owned nowadays by Maansiirto Veli Hyyryläinen Oy (part of Destia group).

[citation needed] Valmet originally prepared the Dr12 to be modified as a full electric locomotive while building it, designing it for speeds up to 180 km/h (110 mph).