High-speed train "Sapsan" (Russia) - detailed description, schedule, stops along the way, reviews, photos and videos.
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What is it: a bird of prey from the falcon family and an ultra-high-speed train connecting the capital of our country with foggy St. Petersburg? Of course, we are talking about the Sapsan, which since 2009 has been running between the capital and the northern capital.
The speed that Sapsan trains develop can be the envy of many European trains, which is no wonder: the authorship of the railway bird of prey belongs to the famous Siemens company. And the choice of name itself also becomes understandable, because the peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world.
The Sapsan is capable of speeds of up to 350 km/h, but due to regulations and safety precautions, it is not yet allowed to travel on Russian railways faster than 250 km/h. In the future it is planned to increase the speed by separate areas up to a dashing 330 km/h. And, by the way, despite its European origin, the Sapsan is designed exclusively for Russia. For example, the train is capable of operating at temperatures down to -50 °C, and its interior is almost 30 cm wider. Which, of course, is due to the wider railway gauge.
As a rule, all Sapsan trains consist of 10 carriages capable of accommodating 506 passengers. (Although in Lately Double trains are increasingly running between St. Petersburg and Moscow.) Traditionally, Sapsan includes one first-class carriage, one business-class carriage, 7 economy carriages and one bistro carriage.
Thanks to modern noise-insulating materials, as well as soft floor coverings, these trains, alas, will not give lovers of railway romance languid moments alone with “tydyh-tydyh”: inside the train it is very quiet.
But let's talk in more detail about the passenger's placement - that is, about his seat. All of them have adjustable backrests, footrests, a reading lamp, folding tables and armrests. First and business class can boast of leather upholstery, while economy class has fabric, which is no less comfortable, by the way. All around - pleasant pastel shades walls and panoramic windows with solar curtains. It will not be possible to draw patterns on foggy glass in winter: they are specially heated by circulating warm air. But in the summer, no one will die from stuffiness - a comfortable climate in the carriages is maintained using an electronic climate system. In summer and winter, the temperature stays around +22 °C.
You can place your belongings both above the seat, where there is a luggage rack for small bags, and in a special luggage compartment, which is available in each carriage. Additional features: a shoe shine machine in 3 carriages, a changing table in the toilet of the 6th carriage and a toilet for passengers with limited mobility in the middle of the train. And, of course, the bistro car, which is located in the central part of the train. Here you can have a snack standing at the bar table or sit at one of 10 tables.
Sapsan operates seven daily flights from Moscow to St. Petersburg and back. The fare depends on the time of year, seasonality and travel class.
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About the Sapsan train, Full description, specifications
The Sapsan or Velaro Rus train is a development of the largest German mechanical engineering and electrical engineering concern Siemens. The Sapsan train, built for the Russian corporation Russian Railways, is capable of speeds of up to 350 km/h, but on Russian railways its speed is limited to 250 km/h. Despite this speed limit, the train covers the distance between Moscow and St. Petersburg in a record time - 3 hours 45 minutes!
For those who value their time, for those who use the services of airlines, the Sapsan train is wonderful alternative solution. Agree, time in traffic jams to airports, waiting for check-in, attachment to weather conditions- all this significantly exceeds 3.5 hours! So, we present to you the new Sapsan train! From the center of Moscow to the center of St. Petersburg in 3.5 hours!
Technical characteristics of the SAPSAN train
On November 21, 2008, the first of eight ten-car high-speed electric trains of the Velaro series produced by Siemens Transport Systems arrived at the multiple-unit depot of St. Petersburg Moskovskoe (TC-10) of the Oktyabrskaya Railway. These electric trains with distributed traction are planned to be used on the existing lines Moscow - St. Petersburg and Moscow - Nizhny Novgorod. Since their implementation must be carried out as flexibly as possible, the trains are made in two modifications - single-system and double-system, for contact networks 3 kV DC and 25 kV / 50 Hz alternating current, respectively.
The train concept is based on the Siemens Velaro platform, which is an improved modification of the ICE 3 trains. Currently, Siemens has the most extensive experience in creating and operating high-speed trains with distributed traction. Velaro RUS trains are adapted to operating conditions in Russia, and their design takes into account all the requirements of Russian standards. Along with adaptation to the 1520 mm track width, it was necessary to create appropriate ventilation and cooling systems, as well as the use of numerous special materials. On the train compared to ICE 3, installed additional systems indoor and outdoor video surveillance, audio and other systems, and some existing systems, for example, the traffic safety system has been improved.
Production of the body of the first head car began in June 2007.
Commissioning work on the first train delivered to Russia will be carried out primarily at the St. Petersburg depot. The tests will take place in areas between Moscow and St. Petersburg, on the experimental ring station. Shcherbinka of the Moscow Railway, as well as at the Belorechenskaya - Maykop high-speed range of the North Caucasus Railway.
After completion of testing and certification, passenger transportation will begin in December 2009.
Four trains are designed to operate at mains voltage direct current 3 kV (type B1), the remaining trains are designed for dual-system operation at 3 kV DC or 25 kV / 50 Hz AC (type B2).
The main line Moscow - St. Petersburg is electrified with direct current 3 kV, and its length is 645 km. The maximum speed on this line can be 250 km/h. Based on current speed limits, the planned travel time will be 3.5 hours. Dual-system trains will run primarily on the Moscow-Nizhny Novgorod line, 436 km long, with a maximum speed of 160 km/h.
Distribution of cars on Velaro RUS trains (Sapsan train)
Single system train B1
Dual system train B2
The layout of the carriages of the Sapsan train
By placing the traction and auxiliary operating power conversion components in the undercar space and on the roof of the Sapsan train, internal volumes throughout the entire length of the train are used exclusively to accommodate passengers and personnel of the Sapsan train.
Depending on the need, the driver can make the glass separating the driver’s cabin from the passenger compartment transparent or frosted.
The middle carriages of the Sapsan train have a total of 13 standard toilets. One universal toilet is designed for use by passengers with reduced mobility and is located close to where they are seated in the middle of the train.
In the middle car of the central part of the train there is a bistro and a compartment for the head of the train. In the train master's compartment there is workplace security workers.
The bistro car is designed as a smoking car.
The climate control unit, located on the roof at the end of each car of the Sapsan train, is equipped with an outside air intake system, and there is a device for air exhaust in the undercar space. Thanks to optimal air supply and distribution, the air conditioning system provides comfortable warmth in winter and coolness in summer. This is achieved due to the fact that, as a result of switching the air channels, cool air enters the car from the ceiling and floor in summer, and heated air enters from the side walls of the car and the floor in winter.
The large side windows in the passenger compartment (dimensions 1310 mm x 660 mm) cannot be opened, they are made of safety insulating glass and are equipped with sun blinds.
There are hooks for clothes between the windows, and eight carriages have wardrobes for passengers' clothes. Three carriages are equipped with shoe shine machines.
Interior lighting is indirect. This means that most of the rays are directed towards the walls
In the common passenger compartments of all carriages there is free space that can be used for large luggage. Luggage racks are located above the passenger compartment seats.
All seats in the passenger compartment have adjustable backrests, folding tables, armrests and footrests. The seat backs are equipped with removable headrests and replaceable protective scarves. Business class seats have leather upholstery, tourist class seats have fabric upholstery.
Sapsan trains are manufactured by Siemens. The official name of the Sapsan is Velaro RUS.
average speed
Average speed: 200 km/h.
The Sapsan reaches its maximum speed on the Okulovka - Malaya Vishera section (230-240 km/h).
Maximum speed
"Sapsan" is capable of reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h, but on Russian railway speed is limited to 250 km/h.
Train dimensions
Number of cars: 10 cars - standard train, 20 cars - double train.
Train length: 250 or 500 m
Car width: 3.26 m
Why is Sapsan so quiet?
The Sapsan manufacturing technology is similar to aviation technology, so Sapsan weighs less than conventional trains. Speed and low weight ensure quiet running.
The silence in the cabin is ensured by sound insulation of windows and doors, as well as special carpet covering floor.
Since what year has Sapsan been running?
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New high-speed electric trains run on domestic railways between St. Petersburg and Moscow. The speed of the Sapsan train is relatively high. This feature makes it possible to cover long distances in much less time. Gradually, their work is being launched in new directions. The production was carried out by the German company Siemens.
What is the speed of the Sapsan train?
The Falcon, after which this machine is named, is capable of accelerating in flight up to 320 kilometers per hour. limit the ability to accelerate to 250 km/h. Sapsan trains can reach 350 kilometers per hour.
Boarding begins 45 minutes before the train departs. After the doors are locked, the automation checks the functionality of the entire system. Only after this does the movement begin. "Sapsan" is the first Russian train where smoking is completely excluded. Today you can watch a whole series of several animated films “The Peregrine Falcon and Friends”. The train also has a Twitter account and its own online blog.
Sapsanov drivers
Train drivers of this class are assigned responsibilities comparable to the work of real pilots. Their responsibilities include deciding numerous tasks enough high level difficulties. The speed characteristics are comparable to the operating modes of airliners during takeoff. Only the best candidates are selected for the position of driver of such a train. Specialists who have undergone special training are allowed to operate Sapsan. All driver skills must be developed to perfection.
Wi-Fi in Sapsan
In 2012, attempts began to equip the train technical support, facilitating the possibility of obtaining wireless Internet access. Routers are installed in each Sapsanov carriage. Business class passengers can use the Internet absolutely free. Citizens traveling in economy mode are forced to pay for access.
Bistro car
The speed of the Sapsan train, as well as its streamlined shapes, are not all that makes it unusual. Each passenger can use a comfortable bistro car. Here you can not just have a snack, but even order a full lunch. Drinks, hot dishes, and snacks are available for train passengers to choose from.
Transportation of small animals
The speed of the Sapsan train is quite high, but this does not affect the possibility of equipping premises for transporting animals. Transportation is allowed in cages, baskets or boxes not exceeding 180 cm when adding length, width and height. In this case, you must have documents from the veterinarian with you. Registration will cost 400 rubles. This is a fixed mandatory fee for registration electronic ticket or travel document.
Baggage inspection
Starting from the first start of the train, each passenger must undergo scanning of the transported items. Increased safety during travel is guaranteed to passengers, despite the short duration of the entire screening procedure.
Hand luggage
Passengers have the opportunity to travel on one ticket. The weight of the cargo should not exceed 36 kilograms, and the sum of all measurements should not exceed 180 cm. Above established norm You can carry fishing rods, cameras, binoculars, handbags, briefcases, umbrellas and other small things that are not the same size. more than a meter when measuring overall dimensions.
Large equipment cannot be loaded as carry-on luggage. Other people's things, explosives, flammable, poisonous, flammable, and foul-smelling substances are not accepted for transportation. Firearms must be in a holster, case or case separate from the unloaded cartridges. Only after complying with all the above rules, passengers can use the Sapsan high-speed train to transport small-sized cargo (the speed it can reach is indicated above).
Group travel
There is a group fare for travel by schoolchildren from 10 to 18 years old, consisting of at least 10 people traveling on the same date, on the same route, on the same train. Registration takes place upon prior request. A group fare is provided for travel of at least 10 children under 10 years old traveling on the same train, on the same date, on the same route. It is also available upon prior request.
Conclusion
The possibilities of using rail as a travel option are rapidly evolving. One example of this is the magnificent machines developed German manufacturer"Siemens". Every passenger will definitely be pleased comfortable conditions movement and high speed of the Sapsan train. The developers have offered a solution to almost everything possible problems, which arise in the process of overcoming distances, and combined them in one design solution. The new ones offered to Russian citizens leave the best travel impressions.
"Sapsan" is a super-high-speed train manufactured by Siemens, driven by electricity. It was purchased joint stock company"Russian Railways" for high-speed passenger transportation across the territory of the Russian Federation. The train got its name from the peregrine falcon.
The history of Sapsan in Russia begins with an agreement on the joint development and production of a series of 60 trains based on Intercity-Express, which was signed on April 11, 2005. Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder took part in this event. The contract amount was 1.5 billion euros, and production was planned to be located in Russia. This type trains according to technical specifications had to reach a speed of at least 300 km/h.
However, these plans were not destined to come true. After the change of management of JSC Russian Railways and Vladimir Yakunin coming to power in the company, significant adjustments were made to the agreement. Thus, the number of purchased trains decreased to 8 units, and the contract amount to 600 million euros. According to the new conditions, the production of trains should be carried out exclusively by a German company, and its implementation and delivery to the customer should have occurred before the end of 2010. In addition, it was provided service maintenance trains for a period of up to 30 years or a mileage of up to 14 million kilometers.
These trains were planned to replace obsolete high-speed ER-200 locomotives on the railway lines, which had been in operation since the 80s of the last century.
According to the terms of the contract signed by Russian and German enterprises, it was planned to supply 2 types of trains:
Single-system trains with a voltage of 3 kV DC (version B1), which were supposed to be used on the railway line between St. Petersburg and Moscow;
Two-system trains (having double power supply) with a voltage of 3 kV DC and a voltage of 25 kV AC (version B2), which were supposed to be launched on the route St. Petersburg - Moscow - Nizhny Novgorod.
To create these railway lines, Japanese metallurgists (Nippon Steel) supplied Russia with rails weighing more than 20 thousand tons.
In fact, the Sapsan train is a modernized and customized train of the standard Velaro platform manufactured by Siemens. Certain additions were made to the design. Thus, the operating temperatures for Sapsan were significantly expanded, and now it can operate in conditions down to -50º C. In addition, the width of the cars was also increased by 0.3 m, which was primarily due to the greater width than in Europe railway gauge used in the Russian Federation.
"Sapsan" is very fast. It is capable of carrying passengers at a speed of 350 km/h, but in Russia its speed is artificially limited to 250 km/h. In the future, on certain sections of Russian Railways it is planned to allow the train to move at a speed of 330 km/h. It consists of 10 carriages that can accommodate 554 passengers and their luggage. The carriages are made of aluminum.
Sapsan made its first flight between St. Petersburg and Moscow in July 2009, and in December of this year it began to carry out regular transportation.
The history of Sapsan dates back only one decade, but during this time these trains have already managed to prove themselves. Having appreciated their quality, JSC Russian Railways in December 2011 entered into a new contract with Siemens for the supply of 8 more Sapsan trains (Velaro RUS project). Contract price, including trains and their Maintenance, amounted to 600 million euros.
The first train under the new contract was delivered to the Russian Railways on December 3, 2013. By August 2014, 12 Sapsan trains were carrying passengers across Russia.