To the Altai region by car. "Blue Arrow" - railway (children's construction set): configurations, prices, reviews Black Arrow steam locomotive

The Moscow - Leningrad line was the first to be equipped with radio communications; passengers of the Red Arrow could send a radiogram to anywhere in the world
In the 30s and 40s, mainly high-ranking Soviet and foreign officials traveled with the Red Arrow. In the newspapers of the pre-war years, notes often appeared like: “Last night, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Czechoslovakia, Dr. Eduard Benes, and his wife left for Leningrad by the Red Arrow train.”
By the way, the departure time of the train - 23:55 - was set by personal order of Lazar Kaganovich. Thus, he took care of the posted officials who received daily allowances for an extra day.
The most modern equipment of its time was tested at the Red Arrow. For example, in 1933, the first model of electro-pneumatic brakes of the F.P. Kazantsev system was tested on a train. Even special, high-speed models of steam locomotives were developed for Strela. Thus, shortly before the Great Patriotic War, the Kolomna Plant produced two experimental steam locomotives of the 2-3-2 type, which have served Red Arrow flights since 1938. The locomotive reached speeds of up to 150 - 160 km per hour.
After the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War, regular flights of the Red Arrow were interrupted. The last "Red Arrow" arrived at the Moscow station on June 22, 1941. One of the Red Arrow trains was evacuated to Tsirulsk, the other was hidden in the former “royal pavilion” near the Obvodny Canal.
From August 15, German air raids on the Bologoye-Chudovo section intensified, and trains between Moscow and Leningrad began to operate intermittently. A few days later, the bridge over the Volkhov was damaged and the main line connecting Leningrad with Moscow was cut. On August 21, the Germans occupied Chudovo, and on August 25, Lyuban. By the end of 1941, passenger traffic from the Moskovsky station ceased almost completely: only one commuter train ran to Slavyanka. The staff of the wagon section switched to servicing front-line transportation on the Obukhovo – Kolpino section. At the end of 1943, the Red Arrow cars were returned from evacuation. They were in an extremely neglected state.
On January 29, 1944, the Red Army completely liberated the Leningrad-Moscow railway line from the Nazis, and on February 23, the first train passed along it. The first Red Arrow after the blockade departed from the platform of the Moscow Station on March 20.
The train crew, led by Alexander Ivanovich Ivanov, turned to the NKPS with a request to repaint the Red Arrow cars red. The People's Commissariat approved this proposal, and the Red Arrow became the first train in the country to have red carriages. Since 1952, the Red Arrow began using all-metal cars instead of the old wooden ones. After the war, the condition of the railway did not allow trains to reach high speeds. The Red Arrow was served by steam locomotives S (Sormovo) and SU (Sormovo reinforced).
The travel time of an express train with these locomotives in 1954 was 11 hours and 15 minutes. Only the work carried out on the Moscow-Leningrad line in the mid-50s to strengthen the track made it possible, in the summer schedule of 1956, to raise the permissible speeds on individual sections to 100 km per hour, and at a number of stations to 80 km per hour.
The use of P36 series steam locomotives increased the speed of the Red Arrow from 58 to 69 km per hour and reduced travel time by 1 hour 45 minutes. According to the new schedule, it was 9 hours 30 minutes and became the best in regular operation for steam traction on the Moscow-Leningrad highway.
Electrification of the Moscow-Leningrad line began in 1950, but the entire line was switched to electric traction only at the end of 1962. On December 15, 1962, regular service of the Red Arrow opened with electric locomotives ChS-1, and then ChS-2.
To ensure the safety of high-speed trains, a protective fence was built in the early 70s, which stretched along the entire railway route from Moscow to Leningrad.
St. Petersburg and Muscovites have developed many traditions associated with the “Red Arrow”; for example, in 1967, a custom arose to meet and see off the train at the Moscow station to the sounds of “Hymn to the Great City” by R. Gliere. Since 1976, the train began to use cars built in the GDR. These carriages met the high demands of the Soviet elite - the “Red Arrow” served all the most high-status events of those times: party and trade union congresses, festivals, the Olympics. By the way, the Olympic flame in 1980 was delivered from Moscow to Leningrad in the Red Arrow carriage.
The story of the Red Arrow is not just a story of a train. This is the history of our country, its defeats and victories, disappointments and new hopes.

Start your exploration of this distinctive city from its historical center. The official name of the area where the main attractions of Biysk, architectural monuments, museums, cultural and art institutions are concentrated is the Old Center.

Each building is a work of art. The Old Center is home to opulent mansions and 19th-century buildings. Here time flows slowly, as if inviting you to stay longer in this cozy area.

Tourists are surprised by the good condition of the houses, many of which are almost 200 years old. The reason is simple. The buildings were erected from red “waste” brick.

Only those bricks that did not break after falling from a 15-meter height were selected for construction. All batches of building materials passed the strength test.

The Old Center includes Sovetskaya and Tolstoy streets.

In 2010, a monument to the founder of Biysk, Peter I, was unveiled in Garkavoy Park.

The bronze rider on a noble horse fit perfectly into the merchant area. From a three-meter pedestal, Tsar Peter the Great looks at the city, founded by his decree in 1709.

In 2016, it will be 100 years since the construction of the luxurious building, which has delighted more than one generation of Biysk residents. The theater was created thanks to the help of the famous philanthropist A.P. Kopylov.

Several years ago the building was reconstructed with all details preserved. The colors became fresher, the building acquired a solemn appearance.

The theater still holds in high esteem the classical repertoire with which the troupe’s history began. Local celebrities perform on stage, and guests from Moscow and St. Petersburg often come.

Address: st. Sovetskaya, 25.

Local Lore Museum named after Vitaly Bianki

The exhibition is located in one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. All tourist groups come here during a tour of Biysk.

This luxurious brick mansion was built specifically to house museum funds in 1920. The spacious halls house unique exhibits from different eras. The collection includes ancient artifacts, archaeological and paleontological finds, stuffed animals and birds.

Guests will be treated to stories about the history of Siberia and the Altai region. Guests are welcome from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday are days off.

Address: st. Sovetskaya, 134.

Chuysky Tract Museum

Another building that evokes admiration for its interesting architectural appearance. Since its construction in 1911, the brick mansion has remained virtually unchanged.

This museum on the territory of Biysk is the only exhibition in Russia entirely dedicated to one road. What exhibits are in the Chuysky Tract Museum? Visitors will see an ancient wooden wheel with magical powers. There is a belief: anyone who rubs an iron nail on a wheel will certainly meet good luck along the way.

Guests will be interested in:

• valuable documents and photographs telling about the development of these lands;
• samples of minerals found along the Chuisky tract;
• stuffed animals living in Siberia and the Altai region;
• things of researchers who studied Siberia in the last century and many other exhibits.

Address: per. Central, 10. Guests are welcome on weekdays from 9:00 to 17:00.

Cannons of the Biysk Fortress

Evidence of past times, the guns are one of the notable historical landmarks of the city. Peter I founded Biysk as a fortress city. Within a short period of time, powerful defensive structures were erected. The fortress walls have not survived to this day.

The cannons, cast at the Demidov plant in the Ural region, have stood in one place for more than a century and are a symbol of Biysk, like the Tsar Cannon in Moscow. The guns are located on Sovetskaya Street near the Avangard stadium.

On the square near the railway station, travelers coming to the city see a powerful black locomotive rising on a pedestal. The TRMPE 42 model was installed in memory of the builders of the Siberian Railway.

The railway station building makes an equally vivid impression on the guests of Biysk. In 2009, a modern station of original design was built on the site of an old dilapidated building. The building is more reminiscent of an entertainment or shopping center. The railway station building is distinguished by rich colors, interesting architecture, and elegant design.

Address: V.M.Shukshin Square, 9.

Vasily Mikhailovich Shukshin is revered in his homeland, his life and work are remembered. In the Biysk region, as in many parts of the Altai Territory, a monument to the writer was erected.

The figure of an ordinary person without pretentious poses and elaborate details - this is what the sculpture looks like in the village of Srostki not far from Biysk, where the master was born and lived. There are always fresh flowers at the foot.

You can view the monument near the school on the street. Sovetskaya, 86.

The history of the beautiful ceremonial building goes back more than two centuries. The first Assumption Church was wooden. In 1789, construction of a brick structure began in its place. A stone factory was specially built for the construction of the temple.

Address: st. Sovetskaya, 13.

Temple of Our Lady of Kazan

The beautiful church is one of the most noticeable religious buildings in Biysk. The temple was built in the middle of the 19th century. The first church was wooden and completely burned down during a fire.

At the end of the 19th century, residents decided to restore the temple. Donations were collected by peasants who were freed after the abolition of serfdom. A large, beautiful red brick temple with blue domes always attracts the attention of visitors to Biysk.

Address: st. Oktyabrskaya, 21.

Local residents call the “star house” nothing more than the Dome. There is an easily recognizable beautiful building near the bus terminus in a quiet residential area. There is a picturesque forest park area around.

The planetarium cannot boast of cutting-edge equipment. But this does not mean that there are few opportunities to get acquainted with space.

Every Sunday at 12 o'clock there is a fascinating journey to the vastness of the Universe using multimedia systems. It is noteworthy that all equipment and instruments were transferred to Biysk from the star town of Shchyolkvo-14, where the cosmonauts trained.

Address: ave. Socialist,1.

After visiting the city's attractions, take a bus or car to the mountains to get acquainted with the amazing nature of the Altai Territory. Popular attractions of the Altai Mountains are Lake Aya, Teletskoye Lakes, and the Belokurikha resort.

This is how Biysk appears before the eyes of tourists. After the trip you will be left with a lot of good impressions and dozens of colorful photographs. Biysk can be safely recommended for visits.

Altai is a treasure trove of unique natural places and attractions, attracting many tourists who come to enjoy the picturesque nature and take a break from the dull gray monotony of the city bustle. In Altai, you can stay in one of the hotels or stay at a recreation center, but avid travelers will prefer to travel around Altai in a personal car so as not to miss anything. You can arrange a short road trip for 5-6 days to visit the waterfalls of this region; this route will not involve long journeys, which is important for a short vacation, to change the environment, and in the absence of time. The route will pass through the most beautiful natural places, including forests, rivers and waterfalls, and the advantage is that there are practically no tourists in these places. Also, about 15 km of the route will have to be walked, since ordinary cars cannot overcome the path to the mountains.

What to take with you

You will need a tent, folding table and chairs, a supply of non-perishable food and drinking water, matches, strong shoes for walking long distances, and a change of comfortable clothes. Before the trip, you should carry out a technical inspection of the car, make sure that the spare tire is reliable, and you should also stock up on several cans of high-quality gasoline.

Travel route

The route passes through the settlements of Barnaul, Biysk, Soloneshnaya, Tog-Altai. In Biysk you can get acquainted with local attractions; in Soloneshnoye there is Denisova Cave - a unique natural place; Tog-Altai is a place where waterfalls are located. The length of the route is 352 km. From Barnaul to Biysk. The road in this place is quite good, but do not forget about traffic rules and speed limits. The first attraction that catches your eye is the confluence of the Katun and Biya rivers - here the rivers carry their waters, practically without mixing, greenish-turquoise and grayish-dirty stripes of two different waters are visible. Along the route you can meet sellers of Altai honey, try and buy this wonderful gift of nature. You can also see water sources along the roads. These waters are safe and suitable for drinking; moreover, they have healing properties. Here, by the way, you can replenish your drinking water supplies. Upon arrival in Biysk, you can visit the Chuya Treaty Museum, where the zero kilometer is located. It is also worth a look at the V. V. Bianki Museum, where the visitor is presented with unique exhibits from the paleontological collection - the skull of a primitive aurochs, the skeleton of a bison, the lower jaw of a baby mammoth. The most popular attractions of Biysk are the monument to Peter I, who founded the city, the Assumption Cathedral, the Black Arrow steam locomotive, and the cannons of the Biysk fortress. Before going to the waterfalls you will have to rest, so it is best to stay at one of the hotels in Biysk. There are about 20 of them in the city, rooms of different levels of comfort. Those who love good food will not be disappointed in the local cuisine; in Biysk, you can have a hearty lunch in a cafe without overpaying. From Biysk to Soloneshnoye. You should be careful on this part of the path, as you can easily lose your way. A GPS navigator will be an excellent assistant on the road, but you should pay close attention to the turn indicators. Very often there are areas where the road is being repaired, due to which the speed of movement will be low. The road goes along the bank of the Anuy River. Altai generally stands out for its lack of tunnels. There are many serpentines here and driving is sometimes dangerous. Beyond the village of Soloneshnoye there is an uphill climb. Another test is wooden bridges across the Anui River. They are quite strong and safe in dry weather, but in autumn and spring there is a possibility of the car being carried away into the water due to floods. Turning away from Soloneshnoye and driving 40 km, you can come across Denisova Cave or “Ayu Tash”, as the Altai people call it, which means “bear stone”. It was opened relatively recently in 1977. The cave is unique in that all archaeological eras are present here. By the way, the cave is known all over the world and is included in the list of UNESCO monuments. From Soloneshnoye to Tog-Altai. After Denisova Cave you need to start climbing the mountains towards the village of Tog-Altai. The road here is dirt and somewhat steep. In dry weather the car will pass without problems, but in rain it can be driven off the road. This path leads to a cascade of waterfalls to the top. Waterfalls are part of the Shinog River. The river itself flows into the gorge and large and small waterfalls fall into it. The largest ones are the Double Jump, Tender Mirage and Giraffe waterfalls. Tent cities are located in these places. There are no amenities or shops here, so it's worth stocking up on food before visiting this place. Before heading to the mountains, a tourist is faced with a choice: go on an excursion to the waterfalls take a GAZ-66, offered by local residents, or go on foot, everyone chooses according to their wishes. You shouldn't drive your car on your own; it will be carried off the steep road. Many people choose to travel on foot, and it requires endurance and the ability to navigate unfamiliar terrain. You have to walk along inconspicuous paths, cross a river, walk along a steep road. The first waterfall is the Tender Mirage - a small one you can swim under. The second Yog is located not far from the first, but it is more spectacular and powerful; the height of the water fall is equal to the height of a nine-story building. To see the third waterfall you need to climb a steep mountain. For the convenience of travelers, ropes are strung on the slope. In general, you will have to cover a distance of 13 km. The road is constantly blocked by fallen trees and boulders. This path requires some physical preparation. The third waterfall - Giraffe - is located in a narrow gorge and is, as it were, locked on three sides by steep cliffs. Near the waterfall you can feel the force of the wind. And it is created by water falling from a great height. And the air is literally saturated with small drops, which makes photographing the Giraffe extremely difficult. Many campers do not have time to return to the tent camp on the same day. However, you should be careful, as there are various wild animals in the forest. When meeting them, there is no need to panic; just point the flashlight in their direction to scare them away. And it is advisable that at the place where you spend the night, someone will be on duty with a flashlight, without turning off its light. After traveling to the waterfalls, you can spend another 2-3 days in the mountains to thoroughly enjoy the natural beauty, clean air, collect flowers, berries, mushrooms, imprints of ancient plants on stone, and return after the trip refreshed.

Biysk was founded by decree of Emperor Peter the First in 1709 as a fortress. Now it is a large industrial, educational, scientific and cultural center in the Altai Territory. In 2005, Biysk was awarded the status of a scientific city or science city. A city with an interesting history and no less interesting modernity. Tourists who come to Biysk will certainly not be bored. So, you are in Biysk. What to see and what to pay attention to first7

Monument to Peter I. Since the city was founded by order of the emperor, it is difficult to even imagine the absence of a historically important monument. The monument is located in the park named after Garkavy, which is located in the Old Center. The monument was erected in the very center of the park in 2010. The monument to the emperor is installed on a high three-meter red-brown granite pedestal. The sculpture looks like this: the emperor proudly sits on an excellent horse, in traditional seventeenth-century robes for the Russian army. The sculpture is made of bronze and has a height of 3.8 meters. The weight of the entire monument is just over three tons. All sightseeing tours around the city of Biysk begin from this place.

Eternal flame. It is located in the Old Center on the face of Sovetskaya. It has a classic appearance and consists of a sculptural form of a soldier, walls of memory on which the names of the dead citizens are carved, steles of memory and the Eternal Flame itself. Every year, to celebrate Victory Day on May 9, almost all residents of the city come to this place in order to honor the blessed memory of their relatives who died during the Great Patriotic War. It is also lively here on weekends. The newlyweds, religiously observing the unspoken tradition, consider it their duty, on the most joyful day of their lives, to lay flowers at the Living Fire. Quite often, here you can see people looking for the surnames of their relatives.

Assumption Cathedral. The founding date of the cathedral is considered to be 1898, but it was erected and illuminated five years later, in 1903. The temple was built mainly through donations from townspeople. The largest sum of five thousand rubles for the construction of the cathedral was donated by the merchant, who was then the mayor of Biysk - Mikhail Vasilyevich Sychev. In the pre-revolutionary period, the city had seventeen churches, eight chapels and two active monasteries. With the advent of the revolution, and after it the Soviet regime, most of the churches were destroyed. The Assumption Cathedral was miraculously lucky to survive. But what is also surprising is that in addition to the fact that this cathedral survived in such a difficult time for the Christian faith, services were also regularly held in it, even during the times of the Soviet Union. In 1998, the temple was given the status of a cathedral. The architecture of the cathedral is made in the Byzantine style. The building itself is made of red brick, but the outer walls are painted blinding white, and the domes that crown the cathedral are sky blue. Finding the Assumption Cathedral is quite simple, since it is located in the Old Center, at 13 Sovetskaya Street.

Black Arrow Train and Railway Station Building. This is the first thing you will see if you arrive in Biysk by train. The black steam locomotive, model TRMPE42, is located on Shukshin Square, which is on the left side of the railway station. It was installed in memory of the builders of the Siberian railway. The first railway station in the city of Biysk was built in 1914, and its grand opening took place in May 1915. The station building was consecrated and opened by Bishop Innocent. In 1958, the station building was partially reconstructed. With the advent of the twenty-first century, the railway station building fell into complete disrepair and it was decided to build a new building on this site. The new station opened its doors in 2009. The opening of the station was timed to coincide with the three hundredth anniversary of the city. From this station you can go to any city in Russia.

Chuysky Tract Museum. This museum is the first and only museum in the entire territory of Russia that is dedicated to the road. The Chuisky tract is the most important and oldest road in Russia, which connects Mongolia and Siberia. The Chuysky tract was once a steep and rather dangerous caravan trail. In the twentieth century, construction of the highway began, and today the Chuysky tract is an important transport route of the Altai Territory. The museum's exposition is represented by many interesting things, among which is an ancient wooden wheel, which, according to legend, brings good luck. In order for your journey to be impressive and prosperous, you need to rub the head of any of the nails on this wheel. The building that now houses the museum was built in 1911 and is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The location of the museum is very symbolic, since it stands at the very beginning of the Chuysky Tract on Sovetskaya Street 42.

Monument to V.M. Shukshin in Srostki. Outback of the Altai Territory, the village of Srostki is the birthplace of Vasily Makarovich Shukshin. It is here that this monument is located, made in a very simple style. In the homeland of this famous person, many monuments are dedicated to him. The most famous monument is considered to be the one installed on Mount Picket. This monument was presented as a gift to local residents by sculptor Vyacheslav Klykov. Another, outstanding monument, which has a more modest appearance, was installed next to the school where Vasily Makarovich Shukshin studied. The monument looks like the figure of a simple and ordinary person, from whom the warmth of a kindred spirit emanates. The stone sculpture is installed on a small elevation, which is not an obstacle to approaching the monument closely. Near this monument, caring hands planted luxurious viburnum bushes, looking at which, frames from the famous film “Kalina Krasnaya”, created by Shukshin, begin to emerge in your memory. Here, there is also a museum named after Shukshin, which has a public garden. Walking deeper into the square, you can see a unique collection of wooden sculptures, which were created based on the works of V. M. Shukshin.

Today is the 85th birthday of the oldest branded train in Russia, connecting the two capitals

Photo: Timur KHANOV

Change text size: A A

Every day at 07.55 and 23.55 the “Hymn to the Great City” is played at the Moscow station of the Northern capital. This means that the “Red Arrow” is arriving or, conversely, departing - the famous, almost legendary train, the oldest branded train in Russia, which has become one of the symbols not only of Russian railways, but of our entire country.

There are many interesting events and facts in the long history of train No. 1. Today we would like to introduce some of them to the readers of Komsomolskaya Pravda.

WORLD STANDARD

The Red Arrow set off on its first voyage 85 years ago. Let's look at the press of that time. “At 1 hour 30 minutes. At night, the Red Arrow express will depart from Leningrad to Moscow for the first time. The express will cover the distance between Leningrad and Moscow in 9 hours 45 minutes. The average express speed is 70 km per hour. On some stretches the speed will reach 100 km per hour” (Gudok newspaper). “The country is overwhelmed with the enthusiasm of construction and a beautiful and joyful life. The contours of the completed building of socialism are already visible to everyone. On the podium are Comrade Stalin and People's Commissar of Railways Lazar Kaganovich. Stalin’s task sounds like this: between the two capitals - old and new - an express train must run that meets the highest world standards” (Pravda newspaper).

The unforgettable People's Commissar impeccably fulfilled the leader's task. In the thirties, the level of service at the Red Arrow was incredible for those times. There were buffets where passengers ordered dinner to be delivered to their compartments; one of the carriages was equipped with a telephone call center.

IN NEW COLOR

Initially, the Red Arrow carriages were blue. Only in 1962 they were repainted dark red. The fact is that even before the First World War there was a standard that was valid throughout Europe. First class carriages were to be blue, second class - yellow-orange, third - green, mail and luggage - brown. Since the Arrow was the best train in the country, they chose a dark blue color. Above the windows was the sign "Red Arrow" and below the windows was the word Express.

The very first “Red Arrow” consisted of eight carriages: one mail carriage, seven rigid carriages - these were still pre-revolutionary first class carriages, and one sleeping carriage.

OVERTAKE STALIN

The first trains were driven by the famous steam locomotive Joseph Stalin. Then it was replaced by the steam locomotive “232” - a product of the Kolomna Plant. It was capable of speeds of up to 180 kilometers per hour. They say that these locomotives were not allowed into production because they were ahead of Joseph Stalin. However, historians and experts have not found convincing evidence of this version.

MAGIC OF NUMBERS

For many years, Arrow has departed at 11:55 p.m. According to knowledgeable people, this was done on the initiative of the same Lazar Kaganovich, so that senior employees who travel between the two capitals could receive travel allowances for one more day.

The first Red Arrow departed 84 years ago. Photo: corporate communications service of the Oktyabrskaya Railway

COMFORT WITH SHOWER

In August 1933, more than a hundred Soviet writers became passengers of the Red Arrow, who went from Moscow via Leningrad to see the newly built White Sea Canal, in order to later depict it in their works. On the train, the writers were accompanied by high officials of the NKVD. According to eyewitnesses, they entered the compartment and asked whether the “engineers of human souls” felt comfortable on the trip.

LAST RIDE

Only in the “Red Arrow” did Leningrad party bosses travel to Moscow and back. Grigory Romanov, who was sometimes called the master of Leningrad, even had his own carriage.

On November 28, 1934, the work of the plenum of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks ended in the capital. On the same day, the first secretary of the Leningrad Regional Committee, Sergei Kirov, went home on the Red Arrow. This trip was his last: three days later Mironych was shot dead in the corridor of Smolny.

FLIGHT WITH FIRE

During the Soviet period, Red Arrow served the most high-profile events: party and trade union congresses, festivals, and major sporting competitions. By the way, in 1980, it was in the Strela carriage that the Olympic flame was delivered from Moscow to Leningrad, which was then lit at the then existing Kirov Stadium.

MORNING OF THE STRELETSKY EXECUTION

Among the passengers of train No. 1 there were always many famous people: politicians, public figures, scientists, athletes. Artists especially often used and still use the services of this group. What to hide: on the road, some of them prefer to spend time in a restaurant. “And then comes the morning of the Streltsy execution,” as the famous Soviet actor Yefim Kopelyan once wittily put it.

SPLIT PERSONALITY

In 1976, the second Red Arrow flight was introduced, departing at 23.59. Both trains stood on the same platform, which was popularly called the Red Arrows Avenue. Now the second “Strela” is called “Express”, this train leaves at 23.32.

In the thirties, the train covered the distance between the two capitals in 9 hours and 45 minutes. Now - in 8 hours. Acceleration was achieved due to the fact that in different years stops in Malaya Vishera, Okulovka, Tver and Bologoye were canceled.

MATERNITY HOSPITAL ON WHEELS

The head of Russian Railways, Vladimir Yakunin, told reporters the following story: “One foreign diplomat went with his wife from Moscow to St. Petersburg in the Red Arrow, in a two-seater compartment. “I really enjoyed the trip, and nine months later we had a child,” the diplomat told me.” And veterans of the October Railway recall that one day a child was born right on the train...

UNDER WARTIME LAWS

After the start of the Great Patriotic War, regular flights of the Red Arrow ceased. The last time the train arrived at the Moscow station was on June 22, 1941. One of the trains was evacuated to Tsirulsk, the other was hidden in a pavilion that has not survived to this day near the Obvodny Canal, where the royal train once stood. The movement resumed only on March 20, 1944.

BY THE WAY

What about today?

Today, train No. 1 usually includes seventeen cars: six compartments, nine SVs, a luxury car and a dining car. In compartment cars, passengers are provided with the latest newspapers, breakfast and a sanitary kit (three items). In the SV - the latest press, breakfast, a sanitary kit (five items), video broadcasts of pre-selected programs. The luxury car has four compartments for two passengers, a shower, individual video broadcasts, as well as free Wi-Fi and taxi ordering.

The carriages of the country's main train are equipped with a climate control system, information boards, and dry closets.

Internet access will soon be provided in all carriages, and terminals will be installed for paying for additional services using bank cards.

Uniforms for train crew workers are sewn in Moscow, and the sample is approved by the management of Russian Railways.

ONLY NUMBERS

During one Red Arrow flight, passengers drink 500 cups of tea and 400 cups of coffee.

MONEY

In the seventies and eighties, the cost of a ticket on the Red Arrow was the same as on any fast train running between Leningrad and Moscow. Twelve rubles in a compartment car, fifteen in a sleeping car. Now there are no fixed prices; the cost depends on many factors. The range is approximately as follows: a trip in a compartment - from three to five thousand rubles, in a sleeper - from six to eight thousand.