The train is almost permanently on patrol. Brought into service at the end of the Cold War, it s almost indistinguishable from any ordinary train, making it extremely difficult to track. There are four trains in this division, each capable of launching three multiple warhead missiles. Each missile has a range of 11,000 kilometers. While they re not riding the nuclear train, the unit is kept in shape, preparing for a terrorist attack.
Morale is relatively high.
These are, after all, Russia s military elite. But home life is difficult. The barracks are cramped, no room inside the flats for a push chair. Natasha and Alexander Urkalov are typical. Alexander has worked on the train for 10 years but complains that salaries are often delayed, and they still have to rely on their parents.