TVER Carriage Works completed acceptance testing of three models of 'high comfort' coaches at the end of March.

Series production is to begin shortly, with the first of the 160 km/h vehicles to be used on Red Arrow expresses between Moscow and St Petersburg.

The 61-4452 sleeping car has eight two-berth compartments, the 61-4453 day coach has eight four-seat compartments, and the 61-4454 has five four-seat compartments, a radio equipment space and accommodation for disabled passengers.

Power doors are fitted. Each compartment has individual air-conditioning controls, LCD displays, audio-visual entertainment and attendant call buttons.

Moulded plastic has been used for the interior panels, and the bolsterless bogies are fitted with disc braking. The cars are expected to have a service life of 40 years.