The first train left Berlin for Moscow as scheduled on October 1 to the sound of German Military fanfare and marches. Reaching top speeds of more than 124 miles an hour, the Berliner Blitz is the second zeppelin on rails scheduled for use of the German Reichsbahn. In first class, already nicknamed “master class” in Berlin vernacular, the well-off passenger travels very comfortably. The interior is opulently and luxuriously furnished with red velvet und offers comfortable sleepers with ample luxury suites for the uninterrupted journey of wealthy tycoons to the annexed regions in the East. Diva Heidelinde Schtonk, who participated in the maiden journey, highly praised the Reichsbahn’s comforts. Passengers of the second, or “people’s” class have to be more frugal, as they travel on wooden benches through the war-shattered landscape.

After the Russian campaign, orders direct from the top immediately innitiated the expansion of the railroad track (see International Journal, 1941). The foremost objective is the opening of the conquered areas. Five trains will operate daily on the new East-West line from Berlin to Moscow via Katowice, Krakow and Kiev.

The Reich Transport Minister waved goodbye to the Berliner Blitz in a staged gesture and declared their intention of extending the rail tracks toward Siberia. The line was mainly meant for the transport of uranium and the supply of war materials.