A new train from Moscow to Nice: competition for airlines?

[sn26567]

The Russian Railways (RZD) are launching a weekly luxury train from Moscow to Nice in 49 hours.

The train will leave Belorussky station in Moscow at 16H17 this Thursday (14H17 Belgian time) and arrive in Nice Saturday at 19H12. It will cross Europe via Minsk, Warsaw, the Czech Rpublic, Vienna, Milan, Genoa, San Remo, Menton. From Nice, the train will depart on Sundays at 19:22 and arrive in Moscow on Tuesdays at 23:17.

This train will make one return trip per week. It will have 12 carriages: three deluxe carriages, six first-class carriages, and only one second-class carriage, and also 2 dining cars between Moscow and Brest (Belarus), and between Warsaw and Nice. The restaurant carriages offer Russian and European cuisine, with menus provided in Russian and English. Restaurant staff speak Russian, Polish, and English.

The cost will vary between 306 euro for a one way trip in 2nd class and 1,200 euro for a "luxury seat" with a large bed, a shower, a toilet and a bar.

[sn26567]

The first train has an occupancy rate of 90%.

[regi]

wonder what it will give in January with -30°C.
Other issue: gauge...in Russia it is wide gauge of 1520 mm and in Western Europe it is 1435 standard gauge.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_gauge#Russian_gauge
There are several solutions:

• as in Spain, the train is lifted on other bogies.
  use a dual track
  use special axles on the bogies to adapt for the different gauge.
  Luchtzak solution: take an airplane.

Other issue: visa restrictions. When I read that the train will cross Russia and Belarus , each with different visa restrictions and enter the Shengen zone, I don't know how it will work out.