Although Pikku-Pässi was primarily used for transporting goods through Fiskars, it also became an integral part of people’s lives beyond work. On occasion, it functioned as a passenger train, although regular passenger traffic is difficult to verify.
In 1897, “ticket benches” were introduced, suggesting that at least on certain occasions, passengers were charged for their journeys.
One thing that is clear is that Pikku-Pässi was used for special events, celebrations, and festivities. During these occasions, the wagons were adorned with sheet-metal roofs mounted on poles with festive decorations, so that invited guests and dignitaries could enjoy the scenic landscape during their ride.
Most passengers, however, had to sit in open wagons, with the wind hitting them directly in the face.
Rail Trolleys
At the beginning of the 20th century, dressines, or trolleys — muscle-powered vehicles that traveled on rails — were an essential part of daily life in Fiskars. There were two different models available: hand-pumped carts for workers and foot-pedaled carts for officials. These could be rented for a small fee—hand-pumped carts cost 20 pennies, while the pedaled carts were slightly more expensive at 25 pennies.
Strict rules governed the use of the trolleys: only two people were allowed to ride at a time, and luggage was limited to 5 kilograms. A designated attendant was responsible for the trolleys and held the keys to them. Employees could borrow a trolley against a fee, but only for “genuine need”. If someone had a valid reason, the pedal trolley could be rented even after 6 PM for personal errands or private transport.
When the new rolling mill in Åminnefors was put into operation, workers from Fiskars Rolling Mill commuted to Åminnefors on rail trolleys until they were eventually provided housing in the area.
The rental fees for the trolleys primarily benefited the attendant. When an ironworks worker rented a trolley, half of the fee went to Fiskars, and the other half to the attendant. However, if an official required trolley transport, the entire amount went to the attendant.
The Fire Brigade’s Summer Excursions
Company employees used the locomotive when needed, and occasionally the fire brigade took advantage of it for summer excursions to the archipelago. These trips often began with a journey to Pohjankuru harbor aboard Pikku-Pässi, and in the evening, it carried the rejuvenated participants back to Fiskars.
When the fire brigade arranged its annual summer excursion, the train was on the move early. The unmistakable sound of Pikku-Pässi chugging along on a Sunday morning, pulling several wagons filled with passengers, could be heard from afar. Long before reaching Skurudalsberget, the fire brigade’s brass band began playing lively music, filling the air with sound worthy of applause. The sun shone brightly, reflecting off the musicians’ instruments and the firefighters’ helmets and white uniforms, creating a truly festive atmosphere.
Venny Österholm, in the anthology På minnenas landsväg II, Pohja 1991
Employees could rent Pikku-Pässi for private use, provided they were willing to pay. Young boys were sometimes allowed to ride for free to Pohjankuru to go fishing. For some, the train was a luxury—for others, an unexpected opportunity.
Distinguished Guests
On several occasions, Pikku-Pässi was used as a dignified mode of transport for important visitors. In 1921, when Albert von Julin’s nephew, Albert Lindsay von Julin celebrated his 50th birthday, the wagons were decorated with the sheet-metal roofs and mauve curtains, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Not all guests received such warm treatment, however. The Russian Governor-General Bobrikov, who was deeply unpopular, was not given a proper reception upon his visit to Fiskars—the ironworks’ patron “happened” to be away and therefore unable to welcome him. Bobrikov was placed in an open wagon and transported directly to the upper ironworks instead of to the Manor House, which was the usual reception site for dignitaries. To make matters worse, he suffered severe burns on one of his hands while inspecting the rolling mill. The incident led to speculation about a possible attack against Bobrikov, but officially, it was deemed an accident.
Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim likely rode Pikku-Pässi on multiple occasions during his visits to his uncle at the Manor House.
In 1894, guests attending Sophie and Albert von Julin’s silver wedding anniversary traveled to Fiskars aboard Pikku-Pässi. Similarly, in 1903, it transported guests to Brita von Julin and Georg Granfelt’s wedding, making the day particularly memorable.
In 1949, when Fiskars Ironworks celebrated its 300-year anniversary, guests were once again transported by train from Pohjankuru to Fiskars. Although some had to sit on simple wooden benches in freight wagons, the experience became an unforgettable memory for many.
According to stories, esteemed female German guests—and even some of von Julin’s hams—ended up in the water at Borgbyträsket’s steep curves when the locomotive rushed forward too quickly. Fortunately, no serious injuries occurred.
Athletes, Scouts, Lotta Svärd, and Merchants
Local handball teams and other athletes used the locomotive to travel to and from matches in Fiskars. After sporting events, such as ski-jumping competitions, celebrations were held at the Assembly Hall and concluded with a cozy train ride home.
In July 1911, scouts were allowed to ride Pikku-Pässi, or The Little Train, as it was called in Hufvudstadsbladet (No. 188). They reportedly enjoyed their journey through the idyllic and picturesque landscape.
On February 13, 1936, Österbottningen newspaper reported that participants in the Swedish Finland Ski Association’s Ski Week and Championship competitions in Fiskars received a 25% discount on their ticket price for round-trip travel between Pohjankuru and Fiskars, courtesy of the railway administration. This proves that ticket sales were at least occasionally in effect.
During World War II, at least in 1940 and 1944, Pikku-Pässi transported Lotta Svärd members to their courses in Fiskars.
The railway tracks were also used by other entrepreneurs in the ironworks and surrounding areas, such as the merchant Grelin in Fiskars and Antskog, as well as the Orijärvi and Kärkelä ironworks. For example, a wagon was reserved when needed for goods for Fiskars Minuthandel, which were unloaded in front of the store at Fiskars Wärdshus.
The Theft of Pikku-Pässi
In January 1936, Pikku-Pässi was stolen. The thief, Gunnar Forsell, a worker from Åminnefors, became infamous throughout Finland, all the way between Oulu and Karelia.
When attending an educational film screening at Fiskars’ Assembly Hall, he got drunk and was eventually thrown out. In his intoxicated and upset state, he had the “brilliant” idea to steal the locomotive.
Having previously worked as a railway brakeman, he knew how to operate the locomotive and drove it at high speed from the lower ironworks toward Pohjankuru harbor. Fortunately, his escape ended when he ran out of water, and three of the train’s wagons derailed — preventing what could have been a dangerous collision with the Turku-bound train.
Forsell was sentenced to four months in prison for endangering public safety and 60 daily fines for drunkenness — or five months in prison in total. He also had to pay 558 marks in compensation to the company (equivalent to €265.70 in 2024).
The event gained significant media attention, with at least 32 newspapers across Finland covering the story.
Despite this, it was not Forsell’s last reckless encounter with Pikku-Pässi. Once, when returning home aboard the train in Åminnefors, he attempted to jump out while it was still in motion to avoid walking extra distance to his house. Tragically, this decision was fatal, and he never made it home again.
A Near Disaster at Pohjankuru in 1912
There are no records of catastrophic accidents involving Pikku-Pässi. Occasionally wagons derailed, leading to the blasting of a protruding rock section at Pohjankuru Ridge to ensure the train’s safe passage.
One railway accident, which could have had far more severe consequences, occurred on November 2, 1912, according to the newspaper Västra Finland (No. 126).
The midday train from Helsinki collided with Pikku-Pässi when a 22-year-old worker, Arthur Åkerfelt, ended up driving the locomotive despite not being its regular operator. Normally, he assisted with other railway tasks, but the usual driver, Johan Andström, was suffering from consumption (tuberculosis).
Åkerfelt had reached Pohjankuru when he suddenly spotted the approaching Helsinki train. The driver of the larger train immediately applied the brakes, but due to cold tracks covered in snow, the train struggled to stop in time.
Realizing the imminent danger, Åkerfelt abandoned Pikku-Pässi just in time, saving his own life.
The collision struck Pikku-Pässi between its locomotive and first wagon, both of which were crushed. Only the locomotive’s chassis remained intact. The fireman of the Helsinki train rushed to Pikku-Pässi after the crash and quickly shut off the steam, preventing a potential explosion.
Since there was no other locomotive in Fiskars, Pikku-Pässi had to be towed back along the tracks by oxen, causing a transport delay of several days while it was repaired.
Åkerfelt was found guilty of negligence in railway operations. However, to avoid paying damages to the company, he fled to America. He later passed away in Chicago in 1934 at the age of 45.