OREANDA-NEWS. March 10, 2009. "On 28 February, the new "Sapsan" high-speed electric train made its track debut, traveling between Lyuban and Metallostroy stations (Oktyabrsk railway – a branch of Russian Railways (RZD) at a speed of 140 km/hour", said RZD Senior Vice President Valentin Gapanovich, reported the press-centre of RZD.

"This was a trial to test the train’s braking system. These tests could not be conducted in Germany due to the absence of a 1520 mm-gauge line. Sapsan is performing very well on the Russian gauge: it moves almost soundlessly, with smooth acceleration and braking" said the train’s chief designer Andreas Lipp.

In the near future, the train’s undercarriage and electrical systems will be checked by taking it up to a speed of 275 km/hour, which is 10% over its maximum operating speed.

The trials will also include running tests in two other areas: first, the train will be tested crossing points, and then the designers will see how it performs when switching from DC to AC power supply and back again.

The trials are planned to run until December. In late 2009, Sapsan will carry out its maiden scheduled journey from St.Petersburg to Moscow with a traveling time of 3 hours and 45 minutes.