Railfan Tour of the Soviet Union 1974 - Finale.
Next morning we visited the Novosibirsk Railway Technical Institute followed by a guided tour of Novosibirsk and Akademgorodog. We were amazed to learn that some 3,000 graduate railway engineers are produced annually, most of then being posted to positions at stations. There seems to be specialists in all aspects of railway work. We met a professor of railway snow protection who specialized in the types of plants and trees that should be used. Hump shunting has been studied sl as to become a high art.
The Novosibirsk streetcar system uses single ended, bow collector cars with mainly women drivers.
To adjust the heat on our bus the driver had to stop it and make an adjustment outside.
We then went straight to the Intourist lounge at the airport where Mr. Bevshenka, Vice President of the Eastern Siberian Railway, gave us a wonderful meal. The Eastern Siberian and the October Railways were trying to outdo each other to our benefit. Tourist treatment again on the plane back to Moscow.
Next day we flew to Paris. Getting to the plane was worrying indeed. We were first stuck in the elevator - twice. One of the taxis didn't turn up. We were left with an hour to check in, pay the airport tax, change our money (3/4 hour on its own), pass emigration, passport control, and weapon search. There was a very long walk to a chaotic departure lounge where we found out that the plane was 3/4 hour late. I have never been so pleased to get on a plane.
The Air France stewardesses were smiling and joking. I didn't see a woman smile the whole time I was in the Soviet Union and the men only laughed when they had vodka in them. I mentioned this to one of the stewardesses and she replied that people say that a lot to her on this run.
Paris was great fun. I had one really interesting rail trip which I will tell you abot next time.
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