After the ballet we then moved to the Leningrad station (Moscow) and boarded our private car on the rear of the Leningrad overnight train which left on time at 2340.
We each had a full compartment with a shower attached which we had to share with the next compartment.
We arrived in Leningrad on time at 0705 and had to get off the car very quickly. The rear two cars had been taken off the train within five minutes. We were taken to the Intourist Hotel which faces out over the river.
Our first visit was the Leningrad Hump Yard which was nothing exceptional although we saw a cut of 15 cars being humped. The cars, in general, were not in good condition although the mechanical parts were well maintained. I saw a steam locomotive. We were told it was used to clean cars but I doubt this.
View of the hump
The hump
This switcher looked very similar to an Alco switcher and it was confirmed that it was pretty much a copy of one. The equipment members of our group said "They would have done better to have copied a GM!".
From the Hump Yard we went to the October Car Shop where they repair electric multiple units and subway cars. I had a look at an electric mu 3P110, all green with luminous flashes, red star emblem and a large headlight on the front. In the cab the controls are quite simple - throttle, air brake, hand brake. In the passenger compartment the wooden slatted varnished seats were three aside with luggage racks and coat hooks. The cars were secured by wooden chocks.
That evening we went to the Kirov Theatre to see Raymonda by Glazounov. In the first interval we were treated to a sumptuous meal. The room decor was gold and blue with a beautiful ornate chandelier and a ceiling decorated with cherubs. Everyone sat on wooden chairs with blue upholstery. The orchestra was 70 strong and the troupe received a standing ovation for a full five minutes.
Comments
Post a Comment