Abandoned Soviet-era Train in Russia.
Abandoned Soviet-era Train in Russia.
During the Cold War, Russia parked hundreds of old trains on old tracks as a backup railway. They're all steam engines; the idea was they could still be used if something happened to the Russian electric grid.
In Russia's central Perm region in particular, a cemetery lies on the sidetrack. Instead of tombs and headstones, it is filled with trains from the 20th century. There are dozens of steam locomotives, the oldest dating back to 1936 and the youngest from 1956. They sit on rusty rails, in the middle of overgrown vegetation.
At that time, around 140 locomotives were docked there. But, as electric power replaced steam, these reserve trains hit the end of the line. As railway authorities waned, maintenance work on the locomotives eventually came to a complete halt, leaving the way for rust.
Many of the trains have been bought and taken away by Chinese owners. Others have been restored to become exhibits at museums and memorials.
During the Cold War, Russia parked hundreds of old trains on old tracks as a backup railway. They're all steam engines; the idea was they could still be used if something happened to the Russian electric grid.
In Russia's central Perm region in particular, a cemetery lies on the sidetrack. Instead of tombs and headstones, it is filled with trains from the 20th century. There are dozens of steam locomotives, the oldest dating back to 1936 and the youngest from 1956. They sit on rusty rails, in the middle of overgrown vegetation.
At that time, around 140 locomotives were docked there. But, as electric power replaced steam, these reserve trains hit the end of the line. As railway authorities waned, maintenance work on the locomotives eventually came to a complete halt, leaving the way for rust.
Many of the trains have been bought and taken away by Chinese owners. Others have been restored to become exhibits at museums and memorials.
