To follow along with the developments in rest of the world the Soviet Union launched its own super fast trains initiative in 1993 following the "slightly successfull" ER-200 types, of which two were built back in 1967 and the third unit later. Picture of the ER200 below.

The Sokol was one of the projects of utmost importance for the national pride. The Soviet Union was already at the brink of a collapse by then and the new Russia with stronger economy had not yet been born for many years. So the times were tough both economically and structurally. The institutions which had been supporting the development for decades, were gone all of the sudden. 

Even so, the project progressed steadily. The hopes were high and 450 million US dollars were spent on the design and prototype. The construction of the Sokol-250 prototype was started in 1999 and by 2001 the train below was finished for the test run, which would prove the train to be "unsatisfactory".  

Here a Sokol-250 prototype train waiting for the tests at the test rink at The Rail Transport Research Institute - VNIIZhT in Russia.  

A single automatic coupler + bumper is typical for the Russian trains (as well as for all the U.S. trains). However this coupler in the picture might just be somekind of temporary coupler used when the train is towed from one place to another. Obvious from the picture is that this coupler must be retracted back under the (missing) cover from the harsh weather when not in use. Retractable coupler might not be a very good idea on fast trains in extremely cold climates as the Pendolino trains used in Finland have proved.

The bogie of the test trains along with impressive electronics to track developments on the tests. 

The entrance for the coaches of the test train. In Russia the platforms are extremely high to enable easy access even to the high floor vehicles. 

A great shot from the photographer showing the rounded nose of the Sokol-250 / Ñîêîë-250. The engineer sure looks worried, as probably should before any test run.  

And the front view of the aerodynamic train!

The test runs in 2001 were unsatisfactory (this was widely published info, although the chief designer did not agree), called by the head of Ministry of Transport "historical mistake" with the price tag of 450 million dollars. The Commision found a total of 50 problems in the train!

In 2002 there was a second trial, with less problems, but it didn't help to save the project. Two years later appeared publications that the Russian Railways RZD would have wanted to continue financing this project, which would have needed some at least 10 million dollars more. It was argued to be cheaper to continue than to start a new project, and for the national pride Russia did not want to buy high speed trains abroad. However the project was abandoned and the trains whereabouts are unknown.
 
Nowadays things have changed and are chancing fast on the Russian railways. The Russian railways pride is the Capcan train, the Velaro-R unit, of which 8 units have accompanied the existing ER200 unit Between St Petersburg, Moscow and Nizhi Novgorod. Velaro-R will be initially capable of 250 km/h (155 mph) and upgradeable to 300 km/h (186 mph). The Karelian Trains Allegro Pendolino units are also providing high speed traffic of up to 220 km/h on the Russain soil.  

See also the Russian high speed theme page!      
 

  Russian High Speed Theme Page...  Updated