Chasing a Soviet-era Legend - 2ТЭ10У-0221 Across Latvia

The ТЭ10 series of locomotives might be one of the most recognizable locomotives in the world, along with the likes of the American EMD F-Unit series. Known for its brutalist appearance along with enormous clouds of thick exhast smoke produced by its Kharkov 10Д100 prime mover, these locomotives were produced at ВЗОР (VZOR), Voroshilovgrad Locomotive Works, situated in what is now Luhansk, Ukraine. What was once a common sight just a few years ago, 2ТЭ10У-0221 is now the only such locomotive active on the Latvian railway network, apart from the off chance appearance of one from Belarusian interchange traffic. Latvijas dzelzceļš, the state owned Latvian Railways, stored their fleet due to a decline in traffic and preference over modernized 2M62 locomotives. AO Baltijas Tranzīta Serviss purchased 2ТЭ10У-0221 and 2ТЭ10У-0223, returning 0221 to service and using 0223 as a parts donor. This chase takes place over 113 kilometers, between Rēzekne and Grabaži, as my friends and I track 2ТЭ10У-0221as it brings Russian interchange traffic west towards Rīga. Definately the most memorable train chase that I have ever partaken in. Filmed October 30, 2024. Photos taken by myself. Song - Спокойная Ночь - Кино Huge thanks to Daniel and Matthias for this chase! ‪@trainspotting_estonia7295‬ @trainspotting.lithuania on Instagram