3052 RUSSIA (Primorsky Krai) - Zolotoy Bridge in Vladivostok

The 24th annual gathering of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) leaders was held on Russky Island, off the coast of Vladivostok, Russia on September 9-10, 2012. Two giant cable-stayed bridges were built in preparation for the summit, namely the Zolotoy Bridge over the Zolotoy Rog (Golden Horn) bay in the downtown, and Russky Bridge from mainland to Russky Island (which is the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world right now).

2042 RUSSIA (Primorsky Krai) - Autumn colors

Primorsky (which means "maritime" in Russian) Krai, informally known as Primorye, was established as the easternmost division of the Russian Empire in 1856, after more then 7 centuries of chinese domination. Highlands dominate the territory of the krai, the average elevation being about 500m. Most of the territory, bordered by China, North Korea, and the relatively warm waters of the Sea of Japan, is mountainous, and almost 80% of it is forested. The ranges are cut by the picturesque narrow and deep valleys of the rivers and by large brooks.

1361 RUSSIA (Primorsky Krai) - Steam Locomotive YeL 629 in Ussuriysk

When Russian Empire entered WWI in 1914, it was dependent mainly on 0-8-0 and 2-8-0 locomotives. What was needed were locomotives with high adhesive weight (and thus tractive effort), which could only be provided by a locomotive with 10 drive wheels, but the only one being built, the class E 0-10-0, was in short supply, with only 100 produced thus far. As a result, it was proposed ordering 400 2-10-0 locomotives from the United States and Canada. Although the production was to be American, the locomotive was designed by Russian engineers. This called for 10 drive wheels, a low axle loading, a large firebox to burn low-grade coal, and an overall similar design to the class E 0-10-0.