KOCHETOVKA MARSHALLING YARDS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 9
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 14, 2013
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: March 22, 1955
• Content Type: REPORT

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/07/11: CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8
INFORMATION REPORT INFORMATION REPORT
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
This material contains information affecting the National Defense of the United States within the meaning of the Espionage Laws, Title
18, U.S.C. Secs. 793 and 794, the transmission or revelation of which in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.
GONFEBENTIAL
COUNTRY USSR (Tambov Oblast)
SUBJECT Kochetovka Marshalling Yards
50X1
DATE OF INFO.
PLACE ACQUIRED
DATE ACQUIRED
REPORT NO.
DATE DISTR.
NO. OF PAGES
REQUIREMENT NO.
REFERENCES
MAR 22 1955;
9
50X1
50X1
SOURCE EVALUATIONS ARE DEFINITIVE. APPRAISAL OF CONTENT IS TENTATIVE.
50X1
50X1
50X1
50X1
50X1
Attached is a copy
as received
ONFIDENT/AL
50X1
STATE I #x ARMY
NAVY I giaLl AIR
FILLL#
AEC
(Note: Washington distribution Indicated by "X"; Field distribution by "#".)
INFORMATION REPORT INFORMATION REPORT
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/07/11: CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/07/11: CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8
CONFIDENTIAL
50X1
COUNTRY USSR
SUIDECT Kochetovka Marshalling Yards
DATE OF INFORMATION
PLACE ACQUIRED
50X1
THIS IS UNEVALUATED INFORMATION
? 50X1
REPORT
50X1
DATE DISTR. 27 Dec 1954
NO. OF PAGES 8
REFERENCES:
Identification Data
1. Refer to page 7, an overlay of AMS N 501, Tambov (N 52-43, E 41-27),
50:00 NN 37-12, Scale 1:2500000 on the location
of the Kochetovka marshaling yaras.
50:00
1. Rail line, double-track, which ran between Michurinsk (N 52-54,
E 40-30) and Voronezh. (Refer to Points 10 and 14 on Enclosure
A for detailed information on the rail line and traffic).
2. Michurinsk
3. Rail line, double-track which ran between Michurinsk and Tambov;
slag bed, Soviet standard gauge. It carried passenger trains
to and from Michurinsk and freight traffic to and from the
marshaling yards.
Rail line, double-track (see point 11, Enclosure A)
5. Rail line, double-track,'Soviet standard gauge, wooden ties,
and slag bed. This lino led north to Moscow. For traffic details
refer to site layout, Enclosure A.
5. Kochetovka marshaling yard. (For details refer to Enclosure A
for site layout).
LQUIDENTIa
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/07/11: CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/07/11: CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8
CONFIDENTIAL
-2-
Site Layout
2. Refer to Enclosure A for
marshaling yards
_Sketch of the Kochetovka
1. Rail line, double-track, Soviet Standard gauge, wooden ties,
50o . slag bed, which led north to Moscow, -All southbound train's,
5OXt including passenger trains which did not stop in Kochetovka,
entered the marshaling yards on this line.
50X1
2. Southbound receiving yard, a large area covered with railroad
tracks. Itoutliejk.sledwnar.'ith a broken line.
50X1
50X1
50X1
Y50X1
50X1
50X1
50X1
Incoming freight trains
stood here for an unspecified length of time (not over 12 hours)
then broke up and-went to the classification yard (point 4).
Locomotives were refueled,at Point 20 and transferred to the
northbound dispatching yard (point 21). The locomotives belonged
to the Moskow., Railroad Branch and did not go
south of the Kochetovka marshaling yard.
3. Southern hump of unknown elevation where several old locomoiives
(wheel arrangement unknown) were used. for shuttling ,purposes.
4. The southbound Classification yard. This area is defined by a
broken line. All freight trains from the receiving yard
(Point 2) were forwarded here for classifioatio*. No unloading
or transloading took place in this area; no facilities for
transloading were observed here. The number of tracks could not
be estimated
5. South and westbound dispatching yards which consisted of two
areas, (designated by Roman numerals V and I).
50X1 Number V section (six to eight tracks) from which freight
ra ns were dispatched in a southerly direction to Voronezh.
50X1 Trains dispatched from section Number V went in both a southerly
and westerly direction. Westbound trains procebded to Tambov.
a. Approximately 20 trains, composed of 50-60 oars, left in a
southerly direction each 24-hour period. Sixty percent of
these cars were twinlaxled. Freight consisted of coal
(one complete train Oach 24-hour period), four to five
empty tank car trains (50 to 65 cars), 8 to 10 sealed
freight car trains, (loads unidentified .0'no tags), occasional
military ;transports which transported tanks (various types
50X1 ,but details unknown). artillery guns of various caliber
50X1and trucks. These trains
50X1 lwere guarded by military personnel. The transported mili-
tary equipment was not new. Only very seldom were military
50X1 troop transpor s observed but4frequentlyoagricultural
machinery, timber, and iron ore transports (30-35 cars each
50X1 day) were seen, six to seven two-and four-
axled flat cars With large tarpaulins; these covered
50X1 objects traveled in a southern direction weekly.
they were airdraft to be repaired at the Vorenezh
50X1 aircraft repair plant. these cars were accompanied by Soviet
Air Force soldiers. Occasionally, tank cars
50X1 had "poison" written on them; they smelled of chlorine. Three
to four closed box-car trains travelled empty. During harvest,
the number of empty trains increased to 8-10 each 24-hour
period. All freight trains were accompaniedby armed mem"-,
bers of the rdilroad guard unit. i
CONFIDENTIAL
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/07/11: CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/07/11: CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8
50X1
50X1
50X1
6.
50X1
50X1
50X1
CONFIDENTIAL
b. Approximately 12 to 15 freight traine,with 50 to 60 cars:each,
went to Tambov every 24 hours. Sixty percent of the cars
were twin-axledl 40.:Percent,WereTeuraxled. Most of the
trains consisted of closed box Cars which were sealed,.
There were also four to five empty tank car trains With 50-
65 cars, coal, timber, agricultural machinery, and occasional
military transports (not new equipment which consisted of
various tanks, artillery guns, and trucks
Other freight included iron
40 cars a day, and chemicals (quantity unknown).
Freight car depot. Cars in need Of repair were :-sent here.
It Was a large Area covered with railroad tracks where damaged
freight cars were parked. There' was one large building of
unknown dimensions where malor renalrm wora mario
ore, 30-
rrel.ghtccars were
toeing repaired; minor work was done outside.
50X1 employees _If needed,
50X1 from other sections of the marshaling yard were requested. All
skilled personnel in this depot were given proficiency tests
50X1 annually which included theoretical and practical examination.
50X1 Old established workers were given, only the practical part of
the examination. No one ever failed Vlese tests because they
50X1 were conducted by local supervisors on good terms with'the
50X1 workers.
the repairntime could be cut in )lair if proper equipment lfts'
50X1
available. 'For example, six hours was required for three men
50X1 to change one set of wheels on a freight car. If better Jacks,
cranes, and newer tools were used, the time would be out down
50X1 to four hours. In the winter, the jacks had to be heated before
they could be used.
50X1
7. Mess hall, wooden, 40 x 20 x 7 m., single-storied, with a
sheet-metal gabled roof. Railroad workers ate here. There
was a tool room in the northern section of this building.
8. ,Section V station building, brick,.40 x 25 x 30 m., three-
stories, sheet-metal gabled roof, painted red. A railroad
50X1 official, responsible for diSpatching trains on schedule,
50X1 was stationed here.
the building housed a control tower of operation unknown)
9.:.Sleeping quarters for railroad workers, wooden, 50 x 20 x 8 m.,
single-storied, sheet metal gabled roof. Railroad workers
relaxed here during. breaks in the winter.
10. Rail line, double-tracked, Soviet standard gauge,,( wooden ties,
and slag bed. It led from Voronezh in the south. Aside from
freight trains, about 8-10 passenger trains came from Voronezh
each 24 hours and five to six small suburban trains transported
railroad workers to and from work.
11. Rail line, doubletracked, wooden ties, slag bed, Soviet standard
gauge. This line led to Tambov in the southeast. Only freight
traffic was observed on this line.
12. A wooden bridge over the rail tracks for pedestrians only
(authorized railroad personnel); it was approximately 50 m.
long, and 15 m. high (type of structure could not be identified)?
50X1 At each end of the bridge there was a signal tower as high as
the bridge. A wooden staircase with a rail led to the signal
towers; access to the bridge was through the towers.
50X1
CONFIDENTIAL
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/07/11: CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/07/11: CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8
CONFIDENTIAL
,4- -
13. A brick station building, 50 x 30 x 25 m., three-storied, with
a sheet-metal gabled roof; it contained various railroad offices.
14. Northbound receiving yard. Its approximate area is marked
The number of tracks Could hot be estimated
50X1 All freight
50X1 trains coming from the south and the southeast were parked in
this area no longer than 12 hours;befOre'they were taken to
the classification yard (Point 15) LocomOtiVet were refueled
at Point 20 and then transferred to the-southbound.dispatching.
yard (POint 5). These locomotives belonged to the Yugoyostoch-
naya. railroad 'branch and did not travel' north of the marshaling
yard.
with a broken line..
15.
50X1
50X1
50X1
50X1
16.
50X1
50X1
Northbound classification yard. Its ApprOXimate area is outlined
with a broken line. Freight trains ftbm the, receiving yard (Point
14) were transferred_here for classification. .No unloading
or transloading was observed; no facilities for transloading
were noticed. The number of tracks is .unknown, but
the width of the section 400 to 500 m.
There were many signal towers
scattered in the area.
Railroad infirmary, built of brick; two-storied, 25 x 20 x 20 m.,
with a sheet-metal gable roof painted red. - Railroad workers
were treated here for injuries,
the most serious cases were taken
wards were available.
17. Second part of the railroad infirmary (see 'Point 16,tor details).
18. Northern hump where several small, old locomotives (wheel arrange-
ment unknown) were used for classification purposes.
19. Railroad guard building, plastered-stone, 40 x 25 x 8 m., single-
storied, sheet-metal gabled roof. . It housed the offices of the
railroad guard unit.. This unit was responsible for assigning
guards to accompany the trains, one tdemotatmtait The:4uards
were armed with rifles. Their work-schedule is unknown. Their
uniforms consisted of a khaki shirt, khaki breeches, black boots,
.nd,-,agreen hat with a black visor and green band around the hat.
thOttlder boards were light green with yellow piping. The rail-
road branch insignia4ilkit worn on the shoulder board by some
guards but was not compulsory; for instanqi, the insignia, in,
small metal letters, for the southeastsouth of Michurinsk),
read: YuVZhD (Yugovostochnaya Zheleznaya Doroga). Winter over-
coats were grey. The officers' hat insignia consisted of a
red star with two crossed rifles in the background. These guards
were freely-hired (Volnonayemnyye). Applicants for the jobs
had to have a completed tour of active duty and all guards had
to attend political indoctrination lectures. There was no other
training. In their off-duty hours the guards were permitted
to wear civilian clothing.
care of here;
no
20.
50X1
50X1
50X1
21.
50X1
50X1
50X1
Refueling area, outlined with a broken line. There
buildings 'in this area
Numerous coal pits and water spouts
this area; long-range locomotives were bhecked
refueled here.
were several
were also in
cleaned, and
Northbound dispatching yard is outlined with a
This was called the)4mber III section.
there were 12-15 treks in this area. Approximately 35 freight
trains were dispatched from here each 24 hours. Most of the
trains consisted of closed box cars, sealed, with no tags which
indicated their destination. Seven to eight were full tank
car trains with 45 to 50 cars.
broken line.
CONFIDENTIAL
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/07/11: CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/07/11: CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8
UA I
3.
4.
CONFIDENTIAL
-5-
22.
23.
24.
Locomotive depot with approximate area
50X1
50X1
50X1
50X1
loco-
motives of the Moscow-Ryazan .Railroad branch underwent
maintenance here to an unknown extent.
about
100 locomotives of all sizes parked in the vicinity of this
building.
Railroad mess hall was wooden, 50x 20 x 8 m,, single-storied,
with a sheet-metal gabled roof. Railroad workers ate and re..
laxed here.
Section III station built of stone, plastered, single-storied,
40 x 20 x 10 m., with a sheet-metal gable roof. A railroad
official, responsible for dispatching trains on schedule, was
stationed in this building.
General Information
15,000 to 16,000 workers were employed at the
yard. Until early 1952, work was done in two 12-hour shifts; after
that, a new schedule of three 8-hour shifts was intrpduced. On the
average, all workers were adequately Skilled. All locksmiths and
locomotive engineers worked on a piece-work basis, 1. e., locksmiths
per cars repaired, engineers per kilometers, etc. There were no
forced labor employees. The trains were guarded at night but small
thefts of food and clothing occurred occasionally.
The yard was approximately 10 to 12 km. long and 1 to 1.5 km. wide.
It was subordinate to the Ministry of Transpdrtation (Ministsrstvo
Putyey Soobshcheniya) in Moscow.
e sans on was no ced, only
repairs of the tracks. The last rail disaster occurred in 1949 when
a freight train ran into the rear of a passenger train and heavy
casualties resulted. Investigatial disclosed that the engineer of
the freight train had fallen asreep.
the yara was bombed twice during
world war II, both times at night. An oil train caught fire and
caused considerable damage. This yard was supposed to be the
third largest in. the Soviet Union. Approximately TO of the "
switches in the yard were automatically-operated. The others were
located primarily at dead-end sidings and were dint:ally-operated.
Ties were wood and rested on dirt or crushed-stone beds. Semaphores
had been replaced by a device called "svetgrOr, (See page 8 ).
various numbers written in chalk on all freight cars
wnict came in from the southbound' classification yard. These numbers
ranged from 10 to 50. each number stood for a
certain city for which the car was destined; number 26 was for
Stalingrad. these numbers
never changed.
Train-inspection procedure was as follows:
When a train was ready to be taken into the dispatching yard, it was
announced over the loudspeakers, scattered in the dispatching yard,
that a certain train would be parked on such_and such a track. This
was done for the attention of inspection crews who were to examine
the train. The train was then divided (theoretically) into three
sections, and three crews, each of which consisted of two inspectors'
and two locksmiths, checked the cars. There Were three teams of
brakemen who worked 10n' the 'same train'independentlyfrom the other
teams. If a damaged car was fOundoit.was detached from the train
immediately. Checking was done on a priority basis. A train )
scheduled to depart at 1400 hours was examined before the train
scheduled for 1500 hours. Six to seven cars had to be detached each
24 hours in the Number V section of the marshaling yard.
most of the damage was done during classification. unecking
CONFIDENTIAL
50X1
50X1
50X1
50X1
50X1
50X1
50X1
50X1
50X1
50X1
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/07/11: CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/07/11: CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8
50X1
CONFIDENTIAL
?6?
was also done in Sections I and III.
6. In case of emergency, more trains could be processed and dispatched,
50X1
50X1
50X1
50X1
times when departures oftrains were delayed
because of bottlenecks to the north or south. Very seldom, the trains
were delayed because of snow drifts and?in those cases, peeple from
nearby kolkhozy were summoned to clear the tracks Of snow0for which job
they were paid.
During bad weather, the color of the light signal could be seen three
to four kilometers ahead; the engineer could proceed by watching
the instrument. It was placed among other instruments and looked
lIce a round, flat, glass plate450 cm, in diameter.
t is device, it showed a red light.
locomotive (wheel arrangement unknown) ana mac. supply no further
details.
M MUUXUMMIZOU
8. Most .of the new freight cars were made by the UVSZ
50X1 (Uralskiy Vagonostroitelinyy Zavod). All new four-axled ears had
automatic couplings. Two-axled cars including the new ones still
50X1 had hook-type couplings. When a train forted, all fOur-axled tars
were put next to the l000motivt6Ita10104104 lihe:tW04041ed,OatA- '
9.
_0.
four types of freight car repair: capital (once in
four years), medium (once in three years), yearly (once a year), and
current (small repairs)!
Freight car load-capacities are given below in 'metric) tonat
Empty Weight Load
two-axled closed box 2.5 18-20
four-axled closed box 4.5 55-60
four-axled gondola 4.5 30-60
two-axled platform 2.5 16-18
four-axled platform 4.5 4050
two-axled tank cars 3.5 1840
four-axIed tank cars 4.5-5 c)-60
tour-axled hopper cars 4-4.5 40
CONFIDENTIAL
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/07/11: CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8
50X1
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/07/11: CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8
CONFIDENTIAL
-7-
'
'4* Overlay of ANS N 501 Tambov,
Sheet NN 37-12, Scale 1:250,000
pinpointing the Kochetovka marshaling yards.
400
15'
52 451
400 450
CONFIDENTIAL
4
1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/07/11: CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/07/11: CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8
50X1
50X1
Sketch of the railroad
signal light seen in the
Kochetovka marshaling yard.
CONFIDENTIAL
Red
Yellow
Green
CONFIDENTIAL
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/07/11: CIA-RDP82-00046R000400320004-8