[1] 67 locomotives were built between 1940–57[1] by Tampella, Lokomo and Arnold Jung Lokomotivfabrik GmbH, Jungenthal of Germany.

[1] The "Risto" is a product of the same era as the express train locomotive Ukko-Pekka (Hr1), and they share a similar appearance as well as several common components.

Because of their high tractive effort the Tr1 locomotives were also called upon for passenger service of a heavy intermediate character.

Tr1 1096 was the last steam locomotive manufactured for VR in 1957.

One is owned by millionaire railway enthusiast David Buck, while another lies abandoned in a secluded forest in Acton, Suffolk.