28 May 2025 Russian and Ukraine Steam

Presenter: Ian Wright

Our speaker presented some of his many slides taken on two rail charters, to Russia and Belarus in 1992 and Ukraine in 2003.

Whilst the principal purpose was to travel behind and view steam locomotives, there was the opportunity to enjoy the culture and scenery of these perhaps, not too often visited countries. Views of the Moscow river, the Russian White House, serving as the Russian Parliament and a bendy trolleybus setting the scene, not forgetting of course the 5’ gauge railway.

Heavy freight locomotive class L 2-10-0 and LV 2-10-2 plus the EM Class 0-10-0 were all featured. A glimpse of the U class 4-6-0 loco used to haul Lenin’s funeral train, brought history almost back to life.

Over the border in Belarus even by 1992 it was obvious Germans, despite World War 2 ending 47 years earlier were still not welcome by many. Of railway interest the workings of a mechanical stoker were highlighted. Fascinating to see out of use steam engines stored in massive ‘dumps’ attractive to the ‘spotter’ element on the tour.

A feature of the tour were special ‘run pasts’ at scenic locations, where participants could leave the train to capture memorable photo shots.

Into Ukraine and splendid views of the Kyiv Funicular railway connecting the historic upper town to Podil overlooking the Dnieper river.

Much to enjoy and digest, with around 160 slides viewed.