Trains

I'm used to counting 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 etc. I expect things to go in order. It's not the same in Russia. Below is a picture of the pier at Peterhof. You can zoom in the picture and you'll see that the launches are numbered in some indecipherable order.

The train stations are similar. The platforms are numbered and the tracks on either side may also be numbered (sometimes it's just left or right). It seems that where the tracks are numbered as well as the platforms they skip track numbers. So platform 3 means no track 3. 

So where is track 4?

The train stations seem to have been designed with attention to the flow of travellers in a rational and reasonable manner. The stations in Moscow were built many years ago and have been adapted for increased flow and security needs. Many doors to the platforms are blocked off so that security can screen everyone before they board a train. Although, all the old and out of date English signage has been kept in place.  There aren't a lot of waiting areas and they don't always have a reasonable amount of seating they also don't have those lovely announcement boards that tell you which track and platform your train is leaving from. The train schedules are fixed well in advance but they often wait until the last 15 minutes to announce the platform. The platforms and security screening are often split between local commuter trains and long distance high speed trains which generally means some kind of detour to find your track. 

I bought 2nd class tickets on long range trains so mostly the trains are similar to Eurpoean or Indian trains - with entertainment and wifi. The commuter trains have rough seats, sometimes wooden benches, and look quite cramped. I do find that the sleeper cabins are narrower which leads to more opportunities to whack your head on the opposite bunk but not really a problem.