A country like Russia, due to its large spaces, requires special solutions in the field of transport. These, in particular, include double-decker cars. Russian Railways, however, didn’t find anything better in this respect than to use the idea that had appeared in the Russian Empire before the October Revolution. At that time, the Tver and Sormovsky plants produced rolling stock with an additional floor. Also, attempts to transport more people per unit of wheelset were made in the USSR, when such trains ran between Ryazan and Moscow, Kovel and Lvov, in the Chelyabinsk region.
In what areas is it planned to launch double-decker cars? Russian Railways (Russian Railways) wants to use the novelty for trips from Moscow to Voronezh, Tula, Smolensk and to the Black Sea destinations, which is especially important in the summer, since you can get to Russian resorts by train for less money than by plane. Carriages with lying places will run to the south, and to some other cities with seats. The car factory in Tver plans to produce economy and business class models. In the first version, 129 people can be transported, and in the second there is an increased level of comfort. For example, displays for watching movies are mounted in the back of the seats in front of the passenger.
What parameters do double-decker cars have? Russian Railways ordered the development of models that, thanks to a special anti-corrosion alloy, will last about forty years. A special surface treatment of the composition allows to achieve a low level of air resistance, which will save energy consumption at a speed of about 160 kilometers per hour. For the convenience of passengers, information boards will be equipped everywhere, and access will be provided in the compartment using electronic keys.
What else are interesting for double-decker cars? Russian Railways will be able to offer a shower for customers of the SV class (a carriage with thirty special compartments), and disabled people with accompanying persons will be provided with appropriate places and lifts. Unlike standard trains, enlarged trains will be equipped with hermetic passages between cars, which entails the absence of a vestibule. Each carriage will be equipped with three toilet rooms with a standard set of items, a wardrobe, and a cooler with coffee and tea accessories.
Double-decker cars of the Russian Railways inside the project look quite nice. Color solutions are selected in beige and blue tones, which positively affect the mood of passengers. The total height of the wagon is about 5.25 meters, with each floor forty centimeters lower than in a conventional railway unit (2.1 meters versus 2.5). The stability of the composition on the way provide special springs.
We will not be the first country to use double-decker Russian Railways wagons these days. Photos from China, the USA, Germany show that this idea is very viable and allows you to save money by transporting more passengers with lower maintenance and energy costs.