Russian Railways (RZD) actively operates steam locomotives. They are used for retro trains on tourist routes. To this end, the company has even preserved the profession of stoker and continues to train drivers and assistants on this equipment.
The locomotive crew of a steam locomotive consists of three people: the driver, the assistant driver, and the stoker.
The Russian Railways steam locomotive fleet consists of 103 units. Among them are pre-revolutionary steam locomotives that have survived in single copies. Some of them are restored museum equipment.
Retro trains run on 11 tourist routes. The flagship retro train is called the "Ruskeala Express." Passengers who ride it are immersed in the atmosphere of the Russian Empire.
Russian Railways said that preparing a steam locomotive for a trip is a complex process. The Tikhoretsk and Kursk training centers for professional qualifications train drivers and their assistants on such equipment.
The company noted that the professions of steam locomotive driver and assistant driver are taking on a new life in the current realities.
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