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Well, break of gauge is still the most hampering point against establishing a concrete transcontinental freight service. Australia eventually solved this by conversion to standard gauge. This will never be feasible in Russia. It seems absurd, but the solution is building 5' gauge links in Central Europe! As a matter of fact there is the 250 mile polish line from Novovolynsk in Ukraine to Katowice, or close by, being extended to Bohumin on the Czech border. And there is the 5' gauge marshalling yard in the Port of Sassnitz for the Ferry from Klaipeda in Lithuania, and others (check the rinbad free-on line website).
I believe an extension from Katowice to Gorlitz in Germany must eventually be taken into consideration (5' gauge non-electrified allowing double-stack containers as in the USA). Time will tell if this prediction will materialise.
Bye for now - Dario.
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