Virtual Railfan Tour of Soviet Union February 1974 - Going north

 

Petrozavodsk
We traveled overnight to Petrozavodsk where our two cars were taken off the train and we had breakfast. 
We were then taken by car to the locomotive shop which repairs diesels, both passenger and freight.  We were taken to a board room where we sat around a large table for a briefing. The meeting was opened by the manager bringing out a bottle of what appeared to be aged vodka and proposing a toast to a successful meeting. It was still very early in the morning,  I assumed I was supposed to bottoms up. Unfortunately this turned out to be Georgian cognac and I had taken in the whole glass in one go.  It was a happy visit.

It was remarkable for the amount of potted plants and cleanliness.  In some areas the paint was still wet. 

The locomotives under repair were a twin unit freight TE3-1329 and passenger TEM60p416.  The whole place looked as if it had been specially cleaned for us.  There is not a great deal of standardization between passenger and freight units.
We inspected the small hospital where all loco crews are examined before duty.

We were then taken by car on a ride outside Petrodavodsk to a health spa and museum.  It was a good trip but I think several of us could have used the time better at the railway installation.

On arrival back at Petrozavodsk we were treated to a wonderful meal at a restaurant (in the Hotel Petrovski) with a lot of atmosphere.  It was decorated like a dungeon with bars and chains etc. The waiters were all dressed in green uniform breeches and doublets.  We started off with salmon, then meat and potato soup in deep bowls which we ate with laquered wooden spoons.  The main course was accompanied by many toasts.

In this area there is quite a bit of the Kareilian language spoken.  It is not a written language although it is used on the radio.  
Our two cars were attached to the rear of the train which is called the "Arctic Express".
Petrozavodsk

Our train arriving at Petrozavodsk

We resumed our journey northwards to Murmansk
The next morning we will be in Murmansk, the most northerly city in the world.



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