Red Army soldiers and civilians greeted the "Victory Train" in May 1945, in Kransoyarsk, Siberia.
The Train of Victory steam locomotive, spearheaded by a legendary steam engine of the Krasnoyarsk Railways (KrasŽD), made its debut journey in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory in World War II. Thousands of eager residents of Kransoyarsk crowded the platform to welcome this iconic train.
Originally a special project, the Train of Victory is unlike any previous trips it made around the region. Formerly, similar trains were federal exhibitions with no connection to Victory Day celebrations.
The star attraction of the train is a restored steam locomotive named "Lebedyanka" (L-3435), which once served on the Krasnoyarsk Railways during the 1970s. This steam engine, boasting a powerful 2200 horsepower, underwent a thorough overhaul before leading the Victory train. Accompanying it were six platforms, a heated coach, a stage car, and cars for volunteer railroad workers and actors of the agitation brigade.
Decorated with "Day of Victory" banners similar to those used on trains returning from Eastern Europe in 1945, the Train of Victory was carefully prepared for its run. Nearly an entire day was spent warming up the boiler, filling the water tanks, verifying the integrity of the main components and subsystems, and checking all nuts and bolts. In tandem, it was escorted by a backup diesel locomotive from Kransoyarsk to Zlobino before it set off on its nationwide journey.
On April 21, 2025, the Train of Victory was first received in Bogotol, followed by stops in Usuru, Abakan, and Sayansk. Each stop saw the train as a grand celebration, and Kransoyarsk was no exception as it welcomed the train on May 5.
As the Train of Victory pulled into the Kransoyarsk railway station, spectators gatheredto witness a historically accurate reenactment of the arrival of the victory train, with soldiers returning from the battlefield under the sound of the steam whistle.
In the words of KrasŽD officials, more than 5000 people flocked to the railway station for the event, with over 18,000 residents of the region managing to catch a glimpse of the historical reenactment.
Kransoyarsk residents welcomed the train with a rendition of the "Day of Victory" song, offering a glimpse into the spirit of the victory spring of 1945. Onlookers had the opportunity to view military equipment from the Soviet Army, including legendary artillery, anti-aircraft, and anti-tank guns that took part in decisive battles during World War II, helping to stop and devastate the Nazi tank army and safeguard cities from air raids.
Visitors also had the chance to explore the legendary steam engine's cab, enjoy a concert from the frontline agitation brigade on the stage-platform, watch a performance by a large chorus of Kransoyarsk railway workers, and, of course, indulge in a field kitchen offering sustenance to all who wished to partake.
Photographs and videos: DELA, KrasŽD.
Additional Information- These events are part of a series of commemorations taking place across Russia to honor the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, emphasizing the historical role of railways during World War II.- Similar events took place in Irkutsk, where a Victory Steam Train arrived featuring a decorated steam locomotive in honor of Victory Day[1][3].- Cultural and commemorative events often accompany such trains, including exhibitions, ceremonies, and educational programs highlighting railroads'War effort.
[1] https://www.sibnews.ru/irkutsk/2025/05/03/irkutsk-postavil-pamyatnik-trudu-mertvykh-v-dni-pobedy-2k5/[2] https://www.regnum.ru/news/2179316.html[3] https://www.tiv.ru/news/42547-irkutsk-pamyatnik-vsoftom-pamyatnik-trudu-mertvykh-v-dni-pobedy-25.html
In the spirit of commemorations honoring the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, the "Train of Victory"'s journey expanded to include locations beyond Kransoyarsk, such as sports events and sport-betting exhibitions, paying tribute to the historical role of railways during World War II.
At each stop, the train served as a focal point for grand celebrations, offering visitors a chance to explore the restored steam engine, "Lebedyanka," and enjoy musical performances by the frontline agitation brigade and local railroad workers. It's possible that these events could even incorporate sports activities or sport-betting-themed attractions, commemorating the victory and bringing a unique dimension to the commemorations.
