Red Line Armoured Train

The Red Line Armoured Train is a functioning vehicle and special weapon of the Red Line, utilized as an incredibly powerful battering ram.

Overview
Salvaged from an unknown tunnel or station and built up with a massive amount of steel, the armoured train stands as the single most dangerous weapon of war in possession of the Red Line. Despite this, it remains relatively inactive and unheard of for most of Metro: Last Light. It serves as a set-piece item for the opening of the level "Revolution", where it's seen being constructed, and is mentioned in passing by Andrew in "Regina". However, it isn't used and not vital to the plot until the final wave of enemies in D6. The armoured train is possibly the answer to the Rangers' fortification of D6 and the "Panzers" used by the Nazis. In its brief last appearance, it is the deciding weapon that cripples the Rangers by destroying D6's platform - who had previously killed several dozen soldiers of the Red Army, a tank, as well as a shield and flamethrower unit. Though the train obviously destroyed in the C'est la Vie ending of Metro: Last Light, what exactly happens to it in the Redemption ending is unknown. However, it's possible that the train was rendered useless by destroying the platform.

A very similar armoured train called the Cruiser is seen again in Metro Exodus, this time operated by Hanza. It intercepts the Aurora, as Artyom and the Rangers are escaping Moscow. Artyom is forced to sneak aboard the train and plant an explosive in the boiler. He then jumps back aboard the Aurora and blows it up.

Trivia

 * In the level "Separation", the Reich has an armoured train which can be seen in most of the entire level, with their logo on the front replacing the red star.
 * Despite being armed, the train never uses its turret gun. The Reds only use the train as a battering ram.
 * It's unknown what type of engine and fuel the Red Line Armoured Train uses. The base of the train are standard Metro carriages, which are electrically-powered, but as electric 3rd rails in the Metro tunnels are not powered anymore, it cannot be using their original propulsion. Furthermore, the train might be too heavy to be powered by the original set of electromotors while still maintaining the great speed seen in Metro: Last Light, given all its additionally-mounted armour. It's possible the Reds added a combustion engine (salvaged from one of the many locomotives or armoured vehicles found on the surface) to power their train.

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Бронепоезд Красной Линии